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Talk of the Town

VIEW UPDATE

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SFD issues Warning for Burning Devices during Shreveport Mardi Gras Parades
Friday, Jan 25, 2008 8:39am

SHREVEPORT, LA (By Tom Pace, Executive Editor, Talk of the Town)

The Shreveport Fire Department says “Grill & burn responsibly” this Mardi Gras season. Partygoers and parade watchers will be able to enjoy the warmness of their fires again this year at upcoming Mardi Gras parades provided they follow some basic but important safety rules.

While the City of Shreveport is allowing fires that are contained in UL approved and appropriate equipment, such as barbecue grills and the ever popular chimineas, they will not allow any free burning in improper containers or in yards.

In the past, the public has been very mindful of their responsibility to have these fires in a responsible and controlled manner. However, there have been problems with individuals hap-hazardously dumping their hot coals and ashes on the ground after they leave the parades.

Last year there were more than dozen reported incidents where the fire department had to respond to the medians of Clyde Fant Parkway to douse smoldering ashes.

Individuals who choose to have barbecues or chimineas should follow these safety precautions:

*Use properly UL approved burning containers

*Don’t use, or have on hand any flammable fluids, to start fires

*Don’t wear loose clothing around the fire

*Always maintain adult supervision of the fire and surrounding areas

*Have a proper method & means to dispose & douse hot coals & ashes.
*Have enough water on hand to thoroughly “soak” any remnants of the fire.