Fire Pit Safety

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Pit Safety

It is the time of year when grilling out turns into having bonfires! Many people have portable or stationary fire pits at their homes. While these are built to contain the fire, check out these tips provided by Allstate to ensure a safe and fun time for you and your guests!

• When setting up or building your fire pit, make sure it is at least 10 feet away from any structures, or other items that could catch on fire easily. These items can include smaller buildings, trees, power lines and more. It should also be placed at least 25 feet away from buildings, such as apartments.

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

• Do not light the flame if it is windy. It could potentially spread embers and start other fires if it is too strong.

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

• The quickest and safest way to start a fire is by using a lighter to ignite a few pieces of crumpled up paper on top of a small pile of sticks. Once these have caught on fire, you can then begin adding larger pieces of dry wood and logs to build up the size.

• Do not wear loose or flammable clothing while around the fire. This prevents any accidents from happening.

• Always have someone in charge of watching the fire, and do not leave it while it is still ignited. If children or pets are present, keep them away from the fire and in safety.  

• Keep a bucket of water, water hose or an extinguisher nearby in case of any emergencies.

• At the end of the night, double check and make sure the fire is completely put out. It is a good idea to wet down the fire, even if you no longer see any flames or embers.