Fall’s here and that means falling leaves, wearing jackets to fend off a chilly breeze, sweaters to stay cozy, and evenings gathered around a toasty-warm fire pit with s’mores and mugs of hot chocolate. You can’t imagine a better way to end the day. But before you kick back beneath the stars be sure that you know how to stay safe while using your fire pit. Consider these tips.
Monitor the Weather
Consider weather conditions like wildfires
Heavy gusts of wind can carry sparks from your fire pit, so avoid using it on very windy days. If you live in a region that’s susceptible to wildfires hold off on lighting your fire pit when experts warn that conditions are especially conducive for wildfires. Be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Also, keep track of wet weather. The last thing you want is to plan a relaxing evening with family only to have a 30 percent chance of rain crash the party. So check the forecast and keep an eye on it because conditions change.
Choose the Right Spot
Since fire pits can project sparks and flames, place stone, brick, or metal beneath it, and maintain a minimum of 10 feet between the pit and your house, as well as those of others. Be sure that chairs are set at a minimum of three feet from the pit. If your fire pit comes with a screen use it to provide an added layer of safety.
Use Appropriate Fuel
If you’ve got a wood-burning fire pit steer clear of using cedar, pine, or other soft species of wood, since they can cause sparks. Avoid burning pieces of lumber used for building projects, too, as they may have been treated with chemicals that could be harmful. Natural gas and propane fire pits produce fewer sparks and are easiest to turn on and off.
Never use lighter fluid, kerosene, or gas to light a wood-burning fire pit.
Plan Your Options to Extinguish
You can extinguish the flames in your wood-burning fire pit simply by using a garden hose with the nozzle set to spray, a bucket of water, a fire blanket, or a fire extinguisher. If, for whatever reason, the fames of your pit get out of control a fire extinguisher is your best option.
Be sure to use a dry-chemical extinguisher with a Class B and C or multi-purpose rating. When using it follow the PASS procedure: Pull the pin; Aim at the base of the fire; Squeeze the trigger (slowly); Sweep the nozzle from side to side. The majority of portable extinguishers can reach from 6 to 10 feet and last from 8 to 10 seconds.
Other Precautions
If you plan to be the individual who tends to the fire be mindful of loose-fitting clothing, like sleeves and hems, which could catch fire. Also, tie back long hair.
Never leave your fire unattended—always have someone watching it even though it may seem to be going out. Pour water or shovel dirt on any lingering embers, and turn over the logs to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished.
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