Fountain Inn Fire Department Launches Hot Asphalt Awareness Campaign to Protect Local Pets

As summer temperatures begin to climb across the Upstate, the Fountain Inn Fire Department has launched a public safety campaign aimed at protecting four-legged family members from a hidden seasonal hazard: scorching pavement.

Fronted by the department’s official mascot, Ember the Fire Dog, the “Hot Asphalt Awareness” initiative highlights how quickly summer sunshine can transform everyday roadways and sidewalks into severe burn hazards for pets.

The 7-Second Rule and Dangerous Temperature Spikes

Fire officials are urging pet owners to use a simple, hands-on test before heading out for a neighborhood walk. By comfortably placing the back of a bare hand flat on the asphalt for seven consecutive seconds, owners can accurately gauge the safety of the surface. If the pavement is too hot to sustain contact for the full seven seconds, it is fundamentally unsafe for a dog’s paws.

The department warns that a seemingly mild day can be incredibly deceptive, as asphalt absorbs heat rapidly and traps it. For instance, when the outdoor air temperature is a comfortable 77°F, the actual asphalt temperature can soar to a dangerous 125°F. On a warmer 86°F day, the pavement can reach 135°F, and if the thermometer hits 87°F, the ground beneath a pet’s paws can cook at a staggering 143°F.

Public safety coordinators emphasized that severe paw skin destruction can trigger on pavement at just 125°F. To put that extreme heat into perspective, a surface temperature of 131°F is hot enough to fry an egg in only a few minutes, meaning standard afternoon sun can easily cause painful burns and blistering to an unprotected animal.

Tips for Summer Pet Safety

To ensure daily exercise remains safe during high-heat months, the fire department recommends implementing several basic lifestyle adjustments:

• Time it Right: Shift standard walking routines to the cooler morning or late evening hours when the pavement has had a chance to cool down.

• Seek Shaded Paths: Route walks through neighborhoods with ample tree cover, and actively choose grassy or dirt pathways over concrete and asphalt whenever possible.

• Hydrate Frequently: Always pack and bring plenty of fresh water for pets to prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration during summer outings.

Emergency officials hope that a little extra community caution will keep local pets safe from preventable burns as the region transitions into the peak of the summer season.