Is your sum­mer cot­tage fire-safe?

Summer cottages are a sanctuary for relaxing during leisure time, and although many people use them year-round, summer is the time when most people spend the longest periods there. For that reason, spring is the ideal time to check that all safety measures are in order — especially fire safety, as these houses are often built from timber, from the walls to the deck. Here are some important fire safety tips that all summer cottage owners should review regularly.

Smoke alarms, fire blankets, fire extinguishers, and a safe escape route from the loft are key elements inside summer cottages. However, it is also important to consider external conditions, as cottages are often located in vegetation-rich surroundings, which increases the risk of wildfires that can spread rapidly in dry weather conditions.

Is there an escape route from the loft?

Lofts are very common in summer cottages, as they make good use of space. However, if the staircase is the only way up and down, this needs to be addressed. A window on the upper floor should be able to open outward, and an external emergency ladder should be installed to allow escape. Next time you are at the cottage, think about how those sleeping in the loft would get out if a fire broke out on the lower floor.

Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms

If a fire starts indoors, the most important thing is to detect it quickly. That is why it is essential to have smoke alarms on all floors and in all rooms, and to test them regularly. If you are a guest or staying in a rented cottage, it is a good idea to test the smoke alarms before going to bed. A fire blanket should be kept in the kitchen, as it is especially useful in case of a grease fire while cooking. Candles, fireplaces, and gas stoves must be used with caution, and it is a good precaution to have a gas detector in the home. Fireplaces should ideally be placed on stone or other heat-resistant surfaces that can withstand high temperatures without burning.

Safety zones outdoors and fire beaters

It is important to maintain a clear area free of vegetation within 1.5 meters of the cottage — this is called a safety zone. If the house is located on a slope, the safety zone should extend further downhill. It can make a crucial difference in preventing fire spread to divide the property with gravel paths or other vegetation-free barriers. Fire beaters (also called brush beaters) are handheld tools used to extinguish grass fires and should be available at all cottages. In general, it is good practice to keep vegetation well maintained and trimmed, as overgrown vegetation can also obstruct access for fire services. It is also useful to have a garden hose that reaches all the way around the house to wet vegetation or extinguish small fires.

Outdoor kitchens

Finally, it is worth mentioning outdoor kitchens. Increasingly, people are building sheltered outdoor cooking areas connected to the house. If a fire starts in an outdoor kitchen, it can easily spread to the main building. This should be considered during design, as there are known cases of such fires occurring. Fire extinguishers, access to water, and fire blankets are the best protection to prevent a small spark from becoming a major blaze.

More detailed information on fire safety in recreational housing can be found on the websites of Húsnæðis- og mannvirkjastofnunnar og Eldvarnarbandalagsins.