Spending time around a fire pit is one of the best ways to enjoy a nice evening with family and friends – a place to bond, tell stories, cook food and keep warm when it’s cold. Whether you’re in the comfort of your own backyard or relaxing in the wilderness, it’s always essential to practice proper fire pit safety. Without proper care and precautions, it takes just take a few seconds for a cozy fire to become an out of control blaze. By implementing a few safeguards – and a lot of common sense – your fire pit will provide you with years of worry-free warmth and enjoyment.
Fire pit safety starts with selecting the right site. Make sure your fire pit is located in a clear area on level ground. Never operate your fire pit underneath a building overhang or in a partially enclosed space. Be sure to pay special attention to overhead tree branches, which can easily ignite from flying sparks. A good rule of thumb is to keep fires located at least 10 to 20 feet away from surrounding plants, as well as from other flammable material (such as yard waste) and from nearby buildings (including your home). Wayward sparks can blow out of the fire and potentially ignite any nearby combustible material. Check with your local city and county authorities to make sure you observe the distance required by law. Finally, it helps to surround your fire pit with non-combustible materials like crushed stone, brick or sand.
In wood-burning fire pits, safety begins with fuel. Only burn wood that’s been seasoned at least six months. Avoid using construction materials, such as plywood or composite woods, which can release toxic fumes when burned. Softwoods, like pine and birch, tend to produce more crackles and sparks than seasoned hardwoods, like oak or hickory. Be sure to cut logs so their length is less than three-quarters the diameter of the pit. Never use lighter fluid or gasoline to start a fire in a fire pit.
If your fire pit has a screen, use it whenever you’re burning. It’s also a good idea to have a bucket of sand or garden hose handy to deal with wayward sparks from wood fires. Attach a hose-end multi-pattern nozzle to the hose, setting it to “spray.” A shower-type spray douses a flare up, while a direct stream of water can spread sparks.
Here are a few other safety precautions to follow:
Check the Wind Conditions
Before you start up your fire pit, check the local weather forecast. Don’t use your fire pit on unusually windy days, as the wind can make it hard to light the kindling and could blow sparks to surrounding brush or structures. Also, always check the direction of the wind before you start your fire. Advise guests to sit on the upwind side of the pit to keep clear of the smoke.
Keep Chairs Away from the Fire
Everyone knows to be careful around a fire pit, but in the heat of s’mores season, folks may inch a little too close to the flames, and that’s when hair, clothes, or other materials can ignite. Keep chairs at a safe distance from the fire pit, and make sure your sleeves are rolled up and hair tied back when tending a fire or cooking over an open flame.
Heed No-Burn Alerts
When high emissions and weather conditions combine to increase fine particulate pollution to an unhealthy level, some municipalities issue no-burn alerts to protect local air quality. Ignoring a no-burn order not only puts your community at risk, but could result in hefty fines too. So, before you light the kindling, check to see if there’s a no-burn advisory in effect.
Store Firewood Safely
To keep a wood fire going all evening, you’ll need to continue feeding it wood. But be sure to keep firewood at a safe distance from the fire pit. You want to feed the fire at your own pace, not have it jump the fire pit and feed itself!
Never Leave a Fire Unattended – EVER!
Even after a fire has died down and only glowing embers remain, do not leave it unattended. While tiny flames may seem innocuous, they’re still a potential threat to your safety. When you’re done enjoying your fire for the evening, douse it properly. Most manufactured fire pits offer specific instructions for extinguishing a fire. Review the instructions before it’s time to put out your fire. Water can crack ceramic fire pits and some metal ones, so be sure you understand the proper methods for extinguishing the flames in your fire pit.
Fallon’s Home and Health offers a wide selection of wood burning and gas fire pits and tables from brands like American Fyre Designs, Breeo, Warming Trends and The Outdoor Greatroom Company. Our experts can help you find the right fire pit for your specific needs.
