The Shelby Township Fire Department urges residents to take extra precautions when using propane weed burners after two house fires July 11, both of which it said were caused by the use of such burners.
The department posted a reminder on its Facebook page Wednesday, July 15, that propane weed burners can spark fires. It said firefighters responded to two house fires within three hours of each other July 11, both caused by the burners. No one was hurt, according to the post, and crews stopped the fires before they caused significant damage.
The post did not indicate where the fires occurred or additional details about the incidents. The Free Press left a message for the township fire marshal on Thursday, July 16, for additional details.
“The combination of hot temperatures, low humidity and even a light breeze created conditions where fire could spread much more quickly than expected. While propane weed burners can be an effective tool, these summer conditions can turn a small flame into a fast-moving fire,” the post said.
The fire department provided a few precautions when using the devices:
“A simple yard project can quickly become a serious emergency under the right conditions,” the post said. “Taking a few extra minutes to work safely can help protect your home, your neighbors and our community.”
Charlotte Fire Department in Eaton County posted a similar message on its Facebook page on June 23. It said it had responded to four fires in the last 30 days caused by weed torch use.
“Recently, we have also noticed an increase in social media videos promoting these devices as a quick and easy way to eliminate weeds. Many of these videos appear to be AI-generated or heavily edited and often fail to show the real dangers associated with using an open flame around homes, landscaping, fences, decks, and dry vegetation,” the post said.
It suggested thoroughly wetting the area after use and monitoring it for at least 30 minutes after completing work.
Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press.
Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Take precautions using propane weed burners, Shelby Township fire says
Reporting by Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
