Fire Pit Safety

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Since we’ve been spending significantly more time in our homes, the number of DIY and home improvement projects have been much higher than typical. If you’ve visited a home improvement or hardware store lately, it’s pretty evident what people are spending their time on. With the closing of restaurants, bars and places to hang out with friends our backyards have become a popular hangout spot. Maybe you purchased a new grill and have deemed yourself a BBQ Pitmaster, or built a new deck! But what’s better than a summer evening spent around a fire, cold beverage in hand and a comfy chair? Not much, in our opinion.

Fire pits are a simple and affordable addition to any backyard and can provide a variety of uses for your family and friends. Want to roast hotdogs or marshmallows? Host a socially distanced cocktail hour? Keep those pesky South Carolina mosquitoes away? Before you head off to the store to purchase one or if you’re brave enough to build it yourself – consider a few things:

Where Will You Place It?

After you determine whether you’ll be installing a permanent fire pit or purchasing a portable one, you’ll need to decide where it will go. Fire pits should always be placed at least ten feet from your home and any neighboring homes. You should also pay attention to any overhanging branches, fences, and other items that could potentially catch fire.

What Will You Place It On?

You’ll need a level surface made up of a fire pit safe surface. Brick, stone, gravel, concrete or some other fire-resistant composite material is your best bet. Ensure you have enough material surrounding the outside of the fire pit to extinguish any stray sparks or ash. NEVER place your fire pit on a wooden deck, inside of a garage or other enclosed area.

Safety Tips

It goes without saying that fire is dangerous, it must be closely monitored and those around it should take great precaution to avoid burns or serious injury. Some insurance companies require the disclosure of a fire pit as a requirement of your policy. Avoid loose fitting clothing around the fire as well as clothing made of flammable materials like nylon. If you have long hair, pull it back when starting the fire, especially if you’re using an accelerant like lighter fluid or gasoline.

Soft woods like cedar and pine have a tendency to spark and pop, avoiding them can reduce your risk of injury or fire spread. It’s also important to understand the proper way to extinguish your fire and dispose of the ashes. Never using anything other than water if you choose to extinguish with a liquid. A flammable liquid can create large bursts of flames.