Fire Pit Safety

Fire pits create ambiance for relaxing outdoors on cool nights, and whether you're hanging out with family or friends, every moment spent around your fire pit is bound to be a memorable one. While fire pits are relaxing, you should also remember to be safe when operating one because things can easily get out of hand if care is not taken.

To be safe when operating your fire pit, here are some tips to remember.

• Follow the manual: It is important to follow the instructions in the manual that comes with your fire pit. This will provide you with some safety precautions that may be specific to your particular model, as well as instructions on how to light it.
• Fire distance: Set up your fire pit on a hard surface, and do not set it up any closer that 10 ft from trees, buildings, and overhanging structures. It is a good idea to keep furniture and flammable items out of the sparks' reach, and you should also sit a considerable distance away from the fire. Sparks can fly about, and this could be potentially dangerous to anyone sitting too close to the fire.
• Lighting the fire: Do not light the fire with accelerants, and be sure to check wind direction and speed before lighting the fire; strong winds can create an inferno which can quickly and easily burn out of control.
• Enjoy the ambiance safely: It is a good idea to invest in a screen to protect you from flying sparks, as well as protect the fire from gusts of wind. You should also never leave the fire unattended or let children play close to the fire.
• Smoke: To prevent your fire pit from releasing unpleasant smoke, burn seasoned wood or charcoal. Burning other items will give out unpleasant smoke, reducing your enjoyment and potentially irritating your neighbors if the smoke drifts onto their property.
• Control: Always have a fire extinguisher and a garden hose nearby. If you ever have to use your garden hose to extinguish a fire, be sure to set it on spray; strong streams of water can send embers jumping out of the pit.
• Putting out the fire: Always extinguish the fire completely before you return indoors; you never know when the wind may pick up, or if unattended children may be playing nearby. Cover your pit with a lid after extinguishing the fire, and keep the coals in an ash bucket until they cool down.

Fire pits are a great way to accent your outdoor décor and make your yard even more enjoyable. Knowledge of fire pit safety, as well as a bit of common sense, is all you need to enjoy your fire pit without putting anyone in harm's way.

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