Fire Safety

Fire Safety on the Barrier Islands.

Our community’s safety depends on awareness, preparedness, and cooperation — especially in fire-prone coastal environments.

Fire hazards can spread quickly across the dunes and neighborhoods. Always keep driveways and fire lanes clear, know your nearest hydrant, and have a working extinguisher at home. Never use fireworks on the beach, and take extra care to fully extinguish fire pit embers before leaving them unattended. Report unsafe conditions immediately, and review BBCA fire safety protocols each season to stay prepared.
Fire Prevention

We live in a fragile environment far from the nearest fire station, so fire prevention is essential and cannot be overemphasized. Absolutely no open flames are permitted:

  • No open fires of any kind
  • No beach fires
  • No burning of trash
  • No chimineas or fire pits
  • No fireworks or firecrackers
  • Remove dry grasses and foliage near your home
  • Keep a hose attached to a working frost-free faucet, long enough to reach around the house (drain before winter)
  • Monitor Fire Weather and Significant Fire Potential warnings from the National Weather Service.
  • In an emergency, dial 911.
Fire Safety Checklist
  • E-bikes and similar devices: Never charge unattended. Store away from gas cans or other combustibles.
  • Dryer vents: When did you last clean yours?
  • Propane grills: Ensure propane tanks are tightly closed and stored away from the house. Keep grill pans free of grease.
  • Smoke detectors: Are they current and tested?
  • Chimneys: Have they been cleaned this season?
  • Garden hoses: Keep a hose attached to a frost-free faucet, and ready year-round, long enough to reach around the entire home
  • Fire extinguishers: Do you have enough, and does everyone know how to use them?
  • Fuel Storage Ensure proper and safe storage of fuel on your property
  • Winterization: If you leave for the winter, unplug all non-essential appliances.
  • Fire Safety Form: Please review and update your confidential Fire Safety Form. Information is shared only with Babylon Central Fire Alarm to assist first responders.
Do you have a Wood Burning Stove or Fireplace?

For better burns and more heat, arrange your wood delivery for early in the summer so that your wood naturally dries out.

Be prepared for the possibility of chimney fire by always having a chimney bomb nearby. These can quickly put out a chimney fire before it spreads to the rest of your roof and home.

Always close your flue when leaving home.

Keep flammable items at least 4ft away from your hearth.

Fire Safety Form

For many years, residents have been asked to submit a Fire Update Form, created with the BCFA Chief of Operations, to keep essential information up to date for firefighters and EMS responding to emergencies on the barrier beach. This information is securely stored by Babylon Central Fire Alarm and made available to responding units.

If you’re unsure whether you’ve submitted it before, or if your details have changed, please take a moment to complete it. Please encourage neighbors—especially non-BBCA members—to fill it out as well.