Summer means days of fun in the sun and nights of stargazing around a fire pit with friends and loved ones. If you’re ready to roast marshmallows around an open flame when the sun goes down, be sure to review the following safety tips:
Set it up safely and correctly
You know the adage in real estate that location is everything; it also proves true with the placement of your fire pit. You don’t want a fire pit too close to your home where it endangers your safety. And you don’t want the pit to rest on something shaky or unstable, which can comprise its integrity. This is especially important if your fire pit isn’t a permanent structure.
“Make sure the ground is level, especially when using a portable fire pit. Keep fires located at least 10 to 20 feet away from surrounding plants, as well as from nearby buildings, including your home,” advises Julie Martens Forney, writer for HGTV.com.
To be sure you’re also within code, she suggests checking guidelines required in your area.
Consider the weather and wind
Fire and weather are an unstable friendship. To help prevent your fire from morphing into a dangerous inferno, make sure you are up to date on the day’s weather conditions.
“Don’t use your fire pit on unusually windy days, as the wind can make it hard to light the kindling and could blow sparks to surrounding brush or structures, potentially starting a fire,” warns Caitlin Castelaz, writer for BobVila.com.
If wind conditions are favorable, it’s time to light the fire. But Castelaz suggests checking the direction of the wind before striking the match.
“Advise guests to sit on the upwind side of the pit to keep clear of the smoke. If you have a portable fire pit, consider moving it to a location with a natural windbreak — before you light the fire,” she adds.
Prepare for problems
Dealing with an unpredictable pit of fire requires a bit of safety prep before, during, and after. In addition to checking the forecast before you ignite the fire, you’ll want to make sure you have some emergency items on hand in case something changes during your time around the fire.
“If your fire pit has a screen, always use it when burning. A bucket of sand or garden hose nearby for dealing with flying sparks from wood fires is also a sound precaution, as is using heat-resistant gloves to handle hot parts of the fire pit safely,” according to Alexa Erickson, writer for FamilyHandyman.com.
Burn with caution
Jordan Spence, also with FamilyHandyman.com, warns your fire pit shouldn’t be a catchall for anything you want to get rid of. There are several substances that should never be burned in your fire pit, including toxin-releasing plastic, magazines, particleboard, painted wood, wooden pallets, and trash. Spence also advises against adding an accelerant or burning cardboard as it can increase the intensity of the fire. Lastly, weeds like Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac are off limits, too, as they can release dangerous fumes, irritating the breathing quality of your friends and family.
With some thoughtful prep and focus on safety, you and your loved ones will have a blast around your fire pit this summer.