La Crosse Fire Department reminds residents of the importance of fire safety [Video]

LA CROSSE (WKBT) — With spring in the air you might be tempted to fire up the grill or have a bonfire with friends, so the La Crosse Fire Department is reminding everyone to remember their fire safety rules.

Community Risk Educator Molly McCormick said the first thing you should do is check to see if your area is currently under a burn ban.

Next, make sure your future flame is away from any structure, and double check your fuel is safe to burn.

It is important to have a bucket of water or shovel handy in case your fire gets out of control.

And if it does, McCormick said to call the fire department as soon as possible.

“Waiting to call just makes it worse, so if we get there and that fire’s been put out already, we’re not going to be upset about it, so don’t hesitate to call us if you’re at all worried that that fire’s gotten out of control,” said McCormick.

The City of La Crosse is currently under a burn ban.

That means no open burning is allowed, including using charcoal grills or recreational fire pits within city limits.