Fall Safety – Outdoor Fire Pits

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Fall Safety – Outdoor Fire Pits

Before you plan your next bonfire, review these tips on fire pit safety!

• A fire pit should be at least 10 feet away from anything flammable. It should be at least 25 feet away when it is a muti residential building, such as an apartment building.

• Place seating far enough away from the flames to ensure your guests’ comfort as the flame grows.

• Fire and wind do not mix! If it is windy, wait until it dies down before lighting your fire. A strong gust of wind can easily carry embers to other areas and start other fires.

• Only used approved fire-starting products, do not use flammable liquids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight a dead flame.

• The easiest and safest way to start a fire is by using a lighter, paper and some sticks. Use the lighter to ignite a few pieces of crumpled up paper on top of your small pile of sticks. As these catch fire, start adding larger sticks, and then finally, dry logs.  

• Wearing loose or flammable clothing while around the fire can potentially cause issues. Taking time to check your outfit can prevent any issues from arising.

• Never leave an ignited fire unattended! Even if it is just for a second, the fire can quickly spread and cause issues. If children or pets are present, keep a watchful eye on them and keep them away from the fire and in safety.  

• In case of emergency, have a way to extinguish the fire. This can include a bucket of water, water hose or an extinguisher nearby in case of any emergencies.

• When cleaning up, double check and make sure the fire is completely put out before leaving it for the night. It is good practice to wet down the area, even if you no longer see any flames or embers.