Backyard Safety: 6 Tips To Follow When Using Your Fire Pit
Falling leaves and blustery days beckon us to gather around the fire pit in the evenings. Time with family and friends is what fire pits are all about. Keep those you care about safe by following our six safety tips when using your fire pit. Enjoy the warmth and conversation along with the occasional roasted marshmallow while keeping everyone safe.
Check the Wind Direction
Pay attention to which way the wind is blowing when lighting the fire pit fire, and plan seating accordingly. This helps people avoid getting smoke in their faces. If the weather looks like high winds for the evening, it’s best to avoid the fire pit that night. High winds increase the blowing of sparks.
Don’t Use Flammable Fluids
It seems like a quick fix, but flammable fluids mixed with the fire pit are not safe. Just a small amount could mean an explosion or much higher flames than you planned.
Wear Proper Clothing
With the cold season upon us, bundling up while sitting outside is a necessity. Just be aware of what you’re wearing and what others around the fire pit are wearing as well. Dangling, loose sleeves and other loose articles of clothing are a hazard when you get near the fire.
Choose the Right Wood or Wood Alternative
Not all wood burns well. Some types create more sparks and smoke. Stay away from pine and cedar, as they tend to spark a lot. Hardwoods are best, such as oak for a slow burn and little sparking.
A better solution to wood is steel logs. They not only look beautiful and come in custom designs, but they also don’t spark and create smoke. Best of all, there are no ashes or soot to clean up.
Distance Yourself
Don’t distance yourself from family and friends, but do create distance between guests and the fire pit. A safe space is at least three feet away from the fire. This protects those around the fire pit if they should accidentally fall or if smoke and sparks decide to fly. Keep a close eye on children, especially.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy
In case of an emergency, have a fire extinguisher nearby. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use it, but better safe than sorry.
We hope our six safety tips when using your fire pit are helpful as you prepare to enjoy the coziest of seasons. Make safety a priority, and your fire pit will be the center of attention through fall and winter.
At Colorado Custom Fire Pits, we design steel fire pit logs for your backyard enjoyment. Our log sets are works of art, ready to use or custom designed to suit your needs. Contact us or browse our convenient online store for more information about using steel log sets in your fire pit.