Watch out for hot ashes from outdoor fireplaces

Following recommendations from the territory's fire safety services and in anticipation of the start of the construction holiday for many of the region's residents, Néomédia would like to remind the public that it is important to let hot ashes cool for at least seven days before depositing them in the brown bin. If you want to enjoy your outdoor fireplace, do it safely.

Several times a year, firefighters in Vaudreuil-Soulanges and throughout Quebec are called out to scenes of fire caused by improper ash storage.

Here are a few safety rules to follow in order to cool ashes safely:

- Place hot ashes in a metal container with a raised bottom and metal lid;

- Take the metal container outdoors, as hot ashes give off carbon monoxide;

- Place it on a non-combustible surface, at least 1 m away from any object;

- Wait at least 7 days before transferring the ashes from the metal container to another container (organic matter bin), and stir the ashes to ensure they have cooled completely.