Prevent accidents and keep family and friends safe while enjoying a warm, cozy fire in the backyard. Here are a few simple tips for fire pit safety.
Fire Pit Safety: Location
The first step to keep the fire pit safe is to make sure you have set it up away from your property. The heat or smoke from the fire can scorch or blacken the siding on your home or outbuilding.
A fire pit should be placed at least ten feet away from the house, shed, or outdoor furniture to reduce the risk of accidents. If you have the space in your yard, further away is even better.
Be Mindful of the Surface
One mistake that people make is setting up a fire pit in a location that simply isn’t suitable. You want to keep it far away from anything flammable.
Don’t set up a fire pit directly on grass or wood. If you want to enjoy a fire on a wooden deck, first add a concrete slab and then place the fire pit on top. A fire pit in the yard can be installed on a base of paving stones or a layer of sand.
For Fire Pit Safety, Look Up
If you have tree branches or other items that overhang the fire, you are putting your property at risk. Do not install the fire pit beneath tree branches, under an awning, or near a patio umbrella.
Heat and smoke rise and it only takes one stray ember to start a fire. This is especially true when the weather is dry. If you live in a climate that routinely experiences drought conditions, take every precaution when using your fire pit.
Choose the Right Materials
When building a fire pit, construct it out of the proper materials. Use fire bricks for the inner layer of the structure. For the outside, bricks, masonry blocks, or cement paving stones are good choices for a fire pit.
If you’re purchasing a fire pit, choose a sturdy and durable option with a metal bowl. A screened top is helpful to contain embers and sparks when using the fire pit.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Close By
Anytime you’re using fire, whether for grilling out in the backyard or enjoying the fire pit, make sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby. Educate yourself and other family members on how to use this essential safety device.
The acronym PASS will help. To use a fire extinguisher, pull the safety tab or pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, and sweep the extinguisher from side to side.
There is no reason you can’t enjoy a fire pit and be cautious at the same time. Practicing fire pit safety allows you to spend time with your family and friends without putting your home or property at risk.
Veriguard Home Inspections offers home inspections to customers in northern New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.