Fire pit safety is a crucial consideration for homeowners and villagers looking to enjoy outdoor gatherings while protecting their loved ones, homes and surroundings. On summer evenings, the warmth and atmosphere of the fire pit is unmatched and it is the perfect complement to any outdoor space. However, when setting up a fire pit, keeping it burning, and extinguishing it, you need to take some precautions to ensure the safety of you and your guests.
In this comprehensive article, we will cover the various safety measures you should take when using an outdoor fire pit; Include the type of fuel used, whether you have a fire extinguisher on hand, supervising children and pets, and so on. By being diligent and practicing these safety measures, you too can enjoy the crackling fire with peace of mind.
Failure to Plan Is Failure to Plan
Knowledge is power and is a great starting point for understanding what is safe in your environment. Regional or municipal authorities have guidelines that residents must follow when burning outdoors, and these rules and regulations are usually enforced by the local fire department. Knowing your town's bylaws and consulting your local fire department are the most important precautions you can take.
Reading government articles and clearing red tape can be a daunting task, which is why the Haman sales team can help you with the charter research portion and help you get in touch with the right local resources.
Some common bylaw restrictions might be:
Fire pits may not be within 10 of buildings, fences, or trees
Fire pits must be used for cooking
Fire pits must be enclosed with a spark arrester
Fire pits must have permits
Once your fire pit has been placed and determined to comply with regulations, it's time to consider the safety measures associated with regular use.
Light'r Up
You've checked your bylaws, set up the fire pit, and sent out invitations to your friends for a backyard party this weekend. That's good, right? This is wrong!
Burn only dry wood. Cooked wood is firewood that has been cut down and dried to remove as much moisture content as possible from the log. Burning experienced wood will reduce smoke and make it easier to catch fire.
Build a solid structure. Keep the air flowing and steady while building a fire. A stable structure does not collapse, does not produce sparks, and the best way to do this is to build a structure that is as wide as it is tall.
Only clean burning. It is important to use a clean ignition source (matches, barbecue lighters, paper, etc.) and never add chemicals, gasoline, or other combustibles to the fire. This is not only harmful to humans and pets, but also to the outdoor environment. Burning plastic also releases toxic fumes into the air and pollutes the remaining ash.
Have a backup plan. In case of an emergency, have enough water and a shovel nearby to put out an out-of-control fire with dirt. Also know where the nearest fire extinguisher and first aid kit are.
Appoint an adult. Bonfires are usually accompanied by friends having a few drinks, or kids and pets running around. It's okay. There's nothing wrong with having fun. But make sure you drink responsibly and with at least one designated adult who can keep a clear head and sharp mind.
Shut it Down
Never forget to fully extinguish your flame before ending a fun night of campfire games and barbecues and snuggling up in bed. Leaving a fire unattended is irresponsible and dangerous. Complete extinguishing can be done by dousing the fire with water, asphyxiating it with soil, choking out the flame, or supervising the flame until it dies out naturally.
Haman offers a robust collection of firepit accessories to make your fireside experience as safe as possible. From our barbecue accessories that don't have to be used against an open flame, to spark screens that keep a rogue spark bay, and steel covers that can extinguish flames quickly - we have what you need to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
