Fire Pit Safety

As much as I enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of using my outdoor fire pit, I realise there are some safety concerns which should be addressed. Using a firepit in the backyard simply needs a little common sense thinking to ensure it is both an enjoyable, and a safe experience for all concerned.

The US Fire Administration offers some formal advice here.

Safe Outdoor Fire Pits

• never position a firepit too close to buildings or trees (particularly overhanging branches) – a distance of around 10 feet is ideal
• consider the surface you are placing the fire pit onto – it is possible to place a fire bowl on a deck, but only if you add a heat proof pad underneath the fire bowl itself (or incorporate a heat-proof deck stones into the design of your wooden or composite decking)
• check out the local regulations regarding fire pits before you buy – for example Regina require the fire box to be no larger than 30″ in any one dimension which would rule out some of the larger bowls such as the Super Sky Fire Pit

Camp-Fire Safety

• always check the wind direction before lighting the fire
• only burn seasoned logs, charcoal or artificial logs to avoid smoke and fumes (never burn rubbish)
• keep the area around the fire clear of flammable debris
• use a spark screen in breezy or very dry conditions, or near trees
• ensure an adult is always near the fire and that it is never left unattended or in the hands of children and ensure the fire is put out completely before leaving the area
• keep a hose, watering can or fire extinguisher handy just in case

Most importantly perhaps, remember that as much as a backyard fire pit can help kick start a party atmosphere, alcohol and camp-fires are not a great combination.