6 Safety Tips for Your Firepit

Whether you are using the fire pit to cook dinner, roast marshmallows, or simply to enjoy the company of family and friends, it is important that you do so safely. Improper fire behavior can be dangerous and lead to injuries and even property damage.

1. Pick a safe spot –It is important to keep your fire contained in a fire pit and a safe distance away from structures and other combustible materials. It is recommended to help prevent fires that you should place your fire pit at least 10-foot from your homes, sheds, trees, or other combustibles materials.  

2. Know the current fire conditions – It is important to understand the fire conditions in your area. It is extremely dangerous to have a fire when conditions are dry, as any sparks or embers could ignite dry grass or trees nearby. Do your part and do not start a fire in dry conditions.
3. Don’t take chances when starting your fire -  Educate yourself on how to best set up your kindling and firewood and best light your fire.   Gasoline and other accelerants are not suitable for starting a campfire. 

4. Be careful what you burn – Burning wood that has been dried at least 6 months reduces the risk of the wood crackling and shooting hot embers out of the fire. Additionally, be careful what other things you throw into the fire, as they could pose a risk of popping or exploding and causing harm to those sitting nearby.

5. Sit a safe distance away – It is important to place chairs a safe distance from the fire to lessen the risk of injury. Additionally, if you have a screen to place over the fire to catch embers, it is a good idea to use it! Always monitor children and pets around the fire.

6. Be prepared – Even if you do everything right, it is possible for something to go wrong and for the fire to escape the fire pit. It is important to have a fire extinguisher, water, or a fire blanket on hand to extinguish any wayward sparks or flames.

7. Make sure the fire is out – When you are done enjoying the fire, it is critically important to make sure the fire is out before leaving it unattended! Hot embers can flare up, so make sure the fire is doused properly.

Fires can grow out of control quickly, so be sure to do your part to prevent them from spreading.