Essential Fire Pit Safety Tips
A fire pit is a beautiful addition to any yard, but it can quickly become a hazard without the proper precautions. You might be familiar with the level of devastation that fire can create, and this includes your fun backyard fire pit.
We don’t want to scare you away from having this feature in your yard, but it is important that you know how to keep you, your family, and your property safe when you’re using a fire pit.
These fire pit safety tips make it simple:
Location, Location, Location
The placement of your firepit is essential to operating it safely. It doesn’t matter if you are using a portable one or have a permanently installed fire pit – these tips apply in all cases.
- Fire pit should be AT LEAST 10 feet from any structures and neighboring property. It’s better to go the full 25 feet, but we understand that’s not always possible. More is definitely better in this case.
- Never place it under low hanging branches, a covered porch, on the grass, or on a wooden deck.
- Use a surface that’s not flammable such as concrete or cement blocks.
- Put your pit on a level surface to reduce the risk of fire leaving the pit.
- Add dirt and/or rocks around your pit that will help contain the fire if it should escape.
Once you have your firepit installed in a safe location in a safe way, you can move onto preparing it for the fire.
A great way to enjoy a firepit and reduce danger is to have landscaping that’s fire resistant. This lets you have a gorgeous yard without the risk of everything going up in flames.
Preparing for the Fire
Taking the time to prepare your firepit before a fire every time will help you reduce the chances of accidents. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Clear anything from around the firepit and make sure the pit is level.
- Pay attention to the direction of the wind and make sure anything downwind from the pit isn’t flammable. Don’t light it if there’s too much wind.
- Avoid using lighter fluid, gasoline, or other flammable liquids to light the fire. The same applies to relighting it. A fire starter stick and kindling on top is the best method.
- Be sure that children and pets aren’t left unattended and that guests are a proper distance away. If alcohol is involved, increase the distance. Anyone near the fire should wear clothing that fits well and isn’t flammable.
- Never leave the fire pit unattended when there’s a fire burning.
How to Extinguish Your Fire Pit Safely
Before you light the fire, make sure you have a bucket of water close by and easy access to your garden hose. Additionally, have a shovel close so you can extinguish any flames that escape.
When you’re finished with your fire pit for the day and want to extinguish the fire, it’s important to do it safely and completely. Pour water on it and stir up the contents with your shovel to make sure all the embers are extinguished.
Remember that ashes can create a fire days after you put the initial fire out. Keep a container to hold the ashes and wait a few days to make sure they are cool enough before you discard them. When you throw them away, don’t put them in anything combustible.
A fire pit can be a very enjoyable part of your yard when used correctly. We hope you’ll be able to enjoy backyard smores, ghost stories, and more with yours all while staying safe.
This post was brought to you by TSC Restoration in San Diego, offering water, fire, and mold damage restoration throughout the county.