Kane County Reporter

As autumn arrives in St. Charles, local families often gather around outdoor fire pits and fireplaces or engage in seasonal yard cleanup. The City of St. Charles is reminding residents that embers, though small and seemingly harmless, are a significant cause of unintended fires during this time of year.

According to city officials, embers can remain hot for hours and may ignite dry leaves, decks, mulch, or even homes if not properly managed. Several common sources for ember-related fires include fire pits and chimneys where hot embers can land on nearby grass or structures; grills with lingering ash; piles of yard waste that could catch fire from discarded embers; and improper disposal of ashes in containers like plastic bins or paper bags.

To reduce the risk of accidental fires, the city advises several safety measures. Residents should always use a metal container with a lid to dispose of ashes and keep it outside away from buildings. Ashes and embers should be thoroughly doused with water and stirred to ensure they are fully extinguished before disposal. Fire pits or chimineas should be placed at least 10 feet from any structure and kept clear of leaves and debris.

Additionally, residents are urged never to leave a fire unattended and to wait until it is completely out before leaving the area. Using a screen over fire pits can also help prevent embers from escaping.

"Never leave a fire unattended — wait until it’s completely out before going inside," city officials emphasized in their guidance.

These precautions aim to help St. Charles residents enjoy the fall season safely while minimizing the risk of accidental fires caused by stray embers.