Fire Pit Safety Tips

Sep 10, 2011 by admin

There’s nothing like a warm summer’s evening in your back yard, enjoying the company of your friends and family while the scent of and warmth of your very own fire pit wafts through the air. This happy time can be disrupted if you are worrying about the safety of your loved ones, so make sure to bear in mind these safety tips that tell you what you should never do with fire pits.

Location

Never place a hot or burning fire pit in an enclosed area. Even if the flames are extinguished, the smoke from the embers can still produce fumes that could be harmful in areas without good ventilation.
Don’t place your fire pit on an uneven or unsteady surface.
You should not place fire pits under low branches, hanging baskets or other potential fire hazards.
Never place your fire pit on or near flammable vegetation, such as grasses. Before lighting fire pits, make sure that no new vegetation has grown and trim back any potential hazards.

Using Fire Pits Safely

Do not use more than the amount of fuel that you need. Burning wood can fall out of wood-burning fire pits that are piled too high.
Make sure you do not use gasoline or other unsuitable fuels to start your fire. Start a small fire and add more fuel to it as it begins to grow.

Supervision

Make sure you do not leave your fire pit unattended. It only takes a moment for a spark to fly out and start a dangerous blaze. Keep a fire extinguisher close by.
Children should not be allowed to run or play near the fire pit. It is best to keep the entire area off-limits or at least keep children under close supervision.
Try not to drink alcohol while operating your fire pit. Be aware that drinking can affect your balance and co-ordination. Take extra care if you or your guests are drinking alcohol.

Extinguishing Fire Pits

Never handle a hot fire pit with bare hands. Make sure you have safety gloves within reach at all times.
Do not consider your fire extinguished just because there are no flames. Use water or a fire extinguisher to completely put out the fire until no more steam is emerging.
Do not place ash, or used coals and wood in bags immediately after removing them from the fire. Place them in a metal bucket to let them cool.

If you make sure to follow these safety tips, you can relax and enjoy your summer evenings without any worries or concerns. Except, of course, the envious looks from those guests who don’t have fire pits of their own.