Are you among the many homeowners considering buying an outdoor fire pit? This addition to your property can allow you to enjoy your yard to a greater degree than ever before.
Of course, you need to consider the safety of yourself, your family, and your guests when installing and running a fire pit. While no blog can cover everything you need to know about fire pit safety, this general overview will offer some tips to help you minimize the odds of an accident happening.
If you’re planning on buying a fire pit, or you already have bought one, keep the following essential safety tips in mind:
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Research Local Laws
It’s wise to research the laws regarding fire pits in your area. For instance, in some cities, fire pits are prohibited. You don’t want to waste money buying a fire pit, only to learn you can’t legally use it.
Local laws and regulations will also typically address fire pit safety. Review all applicable laws to ensure you’re complying with them and keeping yourself and others out of harm’s way.
Keep the Fire Pit Away from Combustible Materials
You need to carefully consider a range of factors when determining where to install your fire pit. True, you want your fire pit to be in a location that allows you to most enjoy it, but you also need to install it somewhere that’s safe.
Make sure your fire pit isn’t near any combustible materials, like a wood fence. It’s also wise to keep your fire pit away from overhanging branches.
Choose Your Clothing Wisely
You may not be able to control what your guests wear when you invite them over to enjoy a night around the fire pit. That said, you can determine what you wear while running the fire pit. You might also be able to exercise at least some control over your family’s attire.
It’s best to avoid wearing flammable materials (such as nylon) and/or loose-fitting clothing when near a fire pit. This is particularly true if you’re going to be the one lighting and extinguishing it. You don’t want a loose garment to come into contact with the flames and catch fire.
Keep an Extinguisher Nearby
Whenever you’re running your fire pit, ensure you have easy access to an extinguisher. Your fire pit supplier can probably suggest the ideal type of extinguisher for your model.
Thoroughly Confirm the Fire is Out
This is a tip you must keep in mind if you purchase a fire pit that burns logs. Many don’t realize that a fire isn’t necessarily out simply because it appears to be. When extinguishing a fire, thoroughly dowse it with water, and carefully inspect the fire pit for any embers that may still be burning. It’s also important to keep pets and young children away from a fire pit for at least 24 hours after a fire has been extinguished. Even if the fire is technically out, the area can still be surprisingly hot.
Avoid Burning Construction Lumber
Don’t make the mistake of burning construction lumber if your fire pit burns wood. Construction lumber is typically treated with various chemicals. If you burn this type of lumber, it will emit toxic fumes.
Again, these are merely a few basic tips. It’s best to conduct thorough research when coming up with a fire pit safety plan.
The main point to remember is that a fire pit can absolutely be safe and enjoyable. It’s simply more likely to be if you keep these suggestions in mind.