Relaxing around an outdoor fire pit is a great way to spend the evening after a long day. If you’re thinking about adding a fire pit to your yard, first learn about outdoor fire pit safety. Here are 5 tips to follow to prevent accidents around the fire pit.
Tips for Outdoor Fire Pit Safety
Choose a Safe Location
Where you place your outdoor fire pit is an important safety consideration. Ask yourself these questions when deciding where to set up the fire pit:
- Is the location at least ten feet away from surrounding trees and plants?
- Is the location positioned away from other buildings?
- Are there tree branches or an overhang above?
- Are there any specific ordinances or requirements in your city or county about distances for fire pits?
Once you select a safe location, add a border of stone or bricks.
Protect Yourself and Others
Place seats around the fire out of reach of the flames. You want everyone to be able to stand up easily and move about freely without the risk of getting burned. Make sure there are no loose bricks, stones, or other items that someone could trip over near the fire pit.
Know About Fueling Materials
Know what the best materials are to fuel your fire for outdoor fire pit safety. When choosing what and what not to burn in your fire pit, here are a few tips to help:
- Seasoned hardwood is the optimal type of wood to burn.
- Don’t use wood that has been treated with chemicals like construction lumber.
- Don’t use lighter fluid or gasoline to start or re-light a fire.
Take Precautions for Outdoor Fire Pit Safety
Your outdoor fire pit safety measures don’t end with the placement and fuel selection. You should prepare for any unexpected incidents. These additional measures include:
- If you have a screen for your fire pit, make sure it’s in place whenever you have a fire burning.
- Keep your garden hose nearby, set on the spray setting.
- Keep a bucket of sand in the vicinity of your fire pit.
- Keep fireplace tongs with you in case you have to return logs that have fallen out of the pit.
- Keep a fire extinguisher close by.
- Refrain from lighting a fire during high winds.
Extinguish the Fire Completely
When it’s time to call it a night and go indoors, extinguish your fire completely. It is dangerous to leave it smoldering because the wind could pick up and re-ignite the fire.
Stick to these fire pit safety standards and you will be able to enjoy backyard fires without harm to people or your property.
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