Fire Pit Safety Tips

*NPT is not an expert on fire pit safety. These tips were pulled from fire safety resources found on the internet*

Adding a fire pit to your backyard is a fantastic choice for friends or family who want a casual and grounded gathering space. As the days grow colder, spending the evening as a family together by the fire can make for warm and cozy nights. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to exercise fire safety. We found the best fire pit safety tips from fire safety experts and home improvement publications and created a list of tips you can rely on.

Build Your Fire in the Open

According to Bob Vila, you should place your fire pit out in the open, not under an overhang or too close to plants or debris. Ideally, your fire pit should be 10 to 20 feet away from everything else. The area where you place the fire pit should be clear of leaves, sticks, and other debris. That way, any stray sparks that fly from the fire pit won’t reach the dry material.

Check the Direction of the Wind

Weather conditions can have an impact on the safety of your fire pit. You should check the weather conditions when you plan to build the fire. According to Nationwide, you shouldn’t use your fire pit when it’s windy as the wind can cause the embers or flames to spread.

Verify Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage

Before investing in a fire pit, it’s smart to check your homeowners’ insurance coverage to make sure that you’re covered. According to HomeAdvisor, you might be required to tell your insurance provider that you bought a fire pit to maintain coverage. (And some insurance plans may not cover fire pits)

Skip Fuel Accelerants

You should never use fuel accelerants such as lighter fluid to start your fire. According to Farm Bureau Financial Services, this can release toxic fumes, grow an out of control fire, or explode. Instead, use seasoned hardwoods intended for fire pits instead of softwoods, construction materials, or accelerants.

Buy a Spark Screen or Mesh Cover

According to Mother Earth News, you can use a wire mesh cover to keep embers inside the fire pit. The cover will also act as a safety precaution for young children and even your pets. Just remember to not only rely on the wire mesh cover as a safety precaution. Take other steps such as not wearing loose clothing and keeping a fire extinguisher handy just in case.

Fire Pits: Safe and a Great Backyard Addition

By following these tips, you can use your fire pit for backyard parties, family dinners, or as a way to warm up on those cold, winter nights—safely. Fire pits are a great addition to any backyard and will make your space even more enjoyable!