As the seasons change and temperatures rise, many people head outside to use their backyard fire pit.
One of the best parts of warm weather is being able to hang out outside with those that you love around a fire pit. Roasting hotdogs and marshmallows is an ideal way to spend an evening, but before you do that, make sure you’ve brushed up on your fire safety knowledge and take a few precautions to ensure the safety of you and your crew.
Keep yourself and your loved ones safe this summer, and reacquaint yourself with important fire safety rules below.
10 Precautions to Take When Using Your Backyard Fire Pit
When using their backyard fire pit, many homeowners do not think about the potential hazards at play. There are things you need to do before, during, and after you light up your outdoor fireplace:
Before Using Your Backyard Fire Pit
- Check Your Weather Forecast — Before your gathering, make sure the weather conditions in your area are favorable. Ideal weather for fire pit use means no wind, decent air quality, and, of course, no rain.
- Go Over Rules with Kids — Ideally, every attendee would receive a fire safety refresher, but all children in attendance need to be taught fire safety practices and rules. Knowing when and how to “Stop, Drop, and Roll” could help save a life.
- Never Use Fuel Accelerants — Avoid using fuels like gasoline and kerosene, which can make flames blaze uncontrollably. Instead, start your fire by using dry kindling
- Be Ready to Extinguish — While fires are mesmerizing and beautiful, they are also powerful and can be destructive. Keep flames from getting out of hand by keeping a bucket of water, extinguisher, fire blanket, or some dirt or sand and a shovel nearby. In the event of an emergency, you’ll be able to smother flames immediately.
While You Use Your Fire Pit
- Use the Fire-Safe Wood — Never use wood like plywood or pressure-treated wood. These construction materials are often treated with chemicals that can release toxins into the air. Additionally, make sure each piece of wood you use can fit entirely in your pit.
- Mind Your Distance — Because fire is incredibly powerful, it is crucial always to mind your distance. If you plan to roast mallows or hotdogs, make sure your hair and clothing are tied back to avoid catching fire.
- Monitor the Fire — A responsible adult must always attend to the fire. Even small flames can quickly spread and turn into large, uncontrollable flames within seconds.
- Use a Screen — Always use a protective screen whenever possible. Screens can keep sparks, ash, and embers from flying that can cause burns or ignite clothing or dry plants.
- Keep Your Phone Handy — If your fire becomes uncontrollable, make sure you have your phone readily available to call emergency crews.
After You’ve Used Your Fire Pit
- Leave Only When it’s Completely Cool — Many people believe that they are okay to leave after the flames are out. This is not the case! Only leave when the logs and ashes are completely cool to the touch.
Contact Restoremasters
Using your backyard fire pit sounds like all fun and games, but if you do not use it responsibly, the result can be devastating. When disaster strikes and your property along the Wasatch Front is damaged, call on the experts at Restoremasters to help. Our knowledgeable and certified techs are specialized and experienced in smoke and fire, water and flood, mold restoration, and more. Let our team of professionals restore your home and help you get back sooner. Contact Restoremasters today. We serve several cities in Utah, from Ogden down to Provo.
