Helping Hens
Every year at the turn of the year, there is a lot of damage to road surfaces caused by fires on public roads. Open fires cause a lot of damage to the asphalt due to overheating. Depending on the type of asphalt damage, replacing asphalt can cost as much as €1,500 per square meter. The municipality can recover this amount from the perpetrator.
Are you lighting a fire in a fire basket or oil drum? Then make sure you do so safely! Place the basket or drum on a layer of sand in a stable position. This will prevent the road surface from overheating from the heat of the fire.
HELPING HENS help you safely start fires in a fire basket or oil drum. Learn how to do this at the bottom of this page. Also watch the video in which the fire department shows you how to start fires safely:
Voucher 2 bags of sand
When starting fires in a fire basket or oil drum, first set the basket or drum on a layer of sand. This will prevent the road surface from overheating from the heat of the fire. The municipality is awarding coupons for 2 free 20-25 pound bags of sand. You can find the voucher in Het Streekblad of Thursday, December 12 and Thursday, December 19.
Safely making a fire in fire basket or oil drum
1. Supplies
- Fire basket or oil drum
- 2x 20 kg sandbag
- Clean wood
- Bucket of water
- Lighting cubes
2. Safety and preparation
Keep the basket/drum 5 meters away from flammable objects and never place it under a tree. Also provide 3.5 meters of clearance for emergency services.
3. Sandbags
Empty the sandbags on the ground. Place the basket/drum on the sand and make sure it is stable.
4. Lighting
Only use firelighters and clean wood to light the fire. Do not start a fire in wind force 5 or higher.
5. Fires
Stay near the fire at all times. Always have someone of 18 years or older supervise the fire.
6. Extinguish
Extinguish the fire and do not leave until the fire is out. Leave the basket/drum while it is still warm.
7. Cleaning
Put the cooled remains in the residual waste and clean the area with a broom.