Whether they’re being used for roasting marshmallows with the family or as the centerpiece of an evening hanging out with friends, fire pits add a lot to outdoor spaces. However, as much fun as they are, it’s always important to remember that fire should be treated with caution, and safety should always be your top concern.
By following these simple safety tips for using fire pits, you can help ensure that everyone has a roaring good time around the fire.
- Use the Right Fuel: Only use appropriate fuel for your fire, such as dried firewood or charcoal, and opt for a fire starter kit with tinder and a safe lighting method over dousing the logs in flammable liquid like gasoline.
- Adult Supervision: Fire pits are popular with people of all ages, but children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult when they are around or using the fire pit.
- Be Ready to Extinguish: You should keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of sand nearby in case you need to quickly extinguish the flames.
- Control the Flame Size: Most fire pits are designed to accommodate a small fire, not a raging bonfire. Therefore, make sure you’re not building the flames up too high.
- Appropriate Fuel Size: While it’s tempting to toss large sticks or other flammable debris into fire pits, fuel that hangs over the edges is a hazard. Ensure that any fuel fits within the walls of the fire pit so it’s not a trip hazard and won’t fall off and send embers flying out of the pit.
- Extinguish Safely: Before you leave the fire pit, make sure the flames have been totally extinguished. Spread the embers out so they can cool, and use water, sand, or other approved methods to completely extinguish them.
By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that you and your guests have a wonderful time enjoying the warmth and glow of a crackling fire. To learn more about how our team considers safety when we install fire pits, simply contact our office.