Outdoor cooking safety reminder after dogs die in Layton fire
Jun 17, 2023, 1:34 PM | Updated: 7:54 pm
Layton fire officials said a home fire likely began by embers from a smoker. The fire started on a deck and spread quickly to other parts of the home. (Layton City Fire Department, Facebook)
(Layton City Fire Department, Facebook)
LAYTON, Utah — The Layton City Fire Department is talking about outdoor cooking safety after a fire injured firefighters and killed three dogs earlier this week.
Officials said an electric smoker likely caused the fire.
Police said the homeowner told them that hot coals or embers fell out of the smoker and quickly set the deck of their home on fire.
“The fire eventually extended into the attic and open windows, posing a significant threat to the occupied residence,” said Doug Bitton with Layton City Fire.
Emergency workers treated the homeowner and a neighbor for smoke inhalation on the scene and evaluated two firefighters for heat exhaustion. The firefighters were not hospitalized.
And three of the family’s dogs died because of the fire, officials said.
Fire safety tips for barbeques and smokers
Like the prevention techniques for any type of fire, Bitton said vigilance and awareness go hand in hand when grilling or smoking food outdoors. Fire officials recommend that you:
- keep barbeques and grills at least 10 feet away from any structures, overhanging branches, or combustible materials,
- assure coals and embers are fully extinguished before throwing them away in fire-safe containers, and
- keep your eyes on your cooking, and never leave barbeques or smokers unattended.
Further, fire officials recommend that homeowners have an escape plan and that they practice it.
They said placing smoke detectors on every level of a home is important, and that those devices should be regularly tested. This is often done at the same time daylight saving time begins and ends.
The Utah Safety Council offers other suggestions for outdoor cooking safety, including avoiding cooking while wearing baggy clothing and keeping water close by.
Other reading:
- Be Ready Utah: Fire Prevention Week … are you prepared?
- Rethink your use of extension cords says Utah Fire Marshal
- Utah State Fire Marshal shares firework safety tips for Chinese New Year
