Recently, we’ve all seen the devastation that fire can bring to homes, communities, and families. A simple mistake can cause 
catastrophic consequences.
As the temperature drops over the next couple of months, many individuals will choose to use a fire pit in their backyard as a way to enjoy the outdoors. It’s important that all safety precautions are followed at all times regardless of how many times you’ve done it before. As with any accident, it only takes one mistake to turn a fun activity into a dangerous situation.
If you plan on building a fire pit to enjoy this winter, here are a few safety tips to remember.
- The most important reminder is to never, ever leave a fire pit unattended, no matter how short a time. A fire can spread in seconds.
- Never leave children or pets alone with a fire pit. Again, it doesn’t take long for a simple flame to become the source of injury for a loved one.
- Never build a fire close to your home or any structure on your property. Keep the fire at least 10 feet away from the home, preferably further (about 25 feet).
- Always have a bucket of water nearby. If the fire seems to be getting out of control, it’s best to have an easy way to extinguish it within arms reach.
- Never build a fire on wood or dried leaves. Use a dirt surface and rocks surrounding the pit. If you feel like the area may have the potential to easily catch fire, don’t build a fire pit in that location.
- Don’t use soft wood such as pine or cedar in your pit.
- Never use flammable liquids such as fire starter or gasoline when starting your fire.
- Always check the wind before you light the fire. If it is too windy, do not move forward with your fire pit. Make sure that anything that could be flammable is removed from downwind of the fire.
- Consider using a mesh covering for your fire pit, especially if there are children and pets around. This offers an additional safety feature to keep your kids away from harmful flames.
- Never wear loose clothing when starting a fire.
- Make your pit at least six inches deep and two feet wide.
- Keep a shovel nearby to help put out the flames when you are finished. Shoveling dirt (without dried leaves) into the flame can help extinguish it.
- Ashes can still be hot two-to-three days after the fire. Therefore, do not place ashes in cardboard or paper bags. Dispose of them properly in a metal can or another type of safe disposal.
Keeping your family and property safe should always be a top priority. We hope that you are able to enjoy the outdoors with the cooler weather, but please do consider safety when you are building a fire of any kind.
References:
Ogden Publications, Inc., & Ogden Publications, Inc. (n.d.). 5 Fire Pit Safety Tips. Retrieved from https://motherearthnews.com/nature-and-environment/5-fire-pit-safety-tips-zbcz1504
