Tips for Creating a Fire Safety Plan for Pets

Fire safety saves lives—human AND pet. Make a plan, share it with your family, and be ready to protect your best pal from house fires, wildfires, or even backyard bonfires.

Backyard Fire Safety

1. Keep Pets at a Safe Distance
Always keep dogs and cats at least several feet away from fire pits, grills, or bonfires to avoid burns and smoke inhalation.

2. Use Barriers
If you’re using a fire pit, place a protective screen or barrier around it to prevent curious pets from getting too close.

3. Monitor Pets Outdoors
Never leave pets unsupervised around open flames, hot coals, or sparklers—they can quickly get hurt.

4. Watch for Dropped Food
Keep an eye out for food or scraps around the fire pit. Greasy, cooked bones or melted marshmallows can be harmful if eaten.

5. Secure Firewood & Lighters
Store wood piles, matches, and lighter fluid out of reach of pets to prevent chewing or accidental spills.

6. Be Mindful of Noise & Stress
Crackling fires or backyard gatherings can stress some pets. Provide a quiet, safe space indoors if they seem anxious.

7. Extinguish Fires Completely
Make sure fires are fully out before letting pets roam the yard again. Even warm ashes or coals can cause burns.

Emergency Fire Safety

1. Identify Safe Zones:
Choose a designated “pet-safe room” near an exit where pets can be quickly gathered during an emergency.

2. Keep Collars & Leashes Handy:
Store leashes, carriers, or harnesses near doors so pets can be secured quickly if evacuation is necessary.

3. Pet Alert Stickers:
Place a window decal or door sticker letting firefighters know how many pets are inside your home.

4. Practice Evacuation Drills:
Include pets in family fire drills so they become familiar with the process and aren’t as stressed if it happens for real.

5. Prepare an Emergency Kit:
Keep a bag ready with food, water, medication, and comfort items for your pet in case you need to leave in a hurry.