Top 5 Safest Ways To Use Outdoor Fire Pits-Complete Guideline

The safest way of using an outdoor fire pit is ensuring its “safe location”. It is repeatedly mentioned in the fire safety guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)  and by the fire protection experts at Telgian. However, here is a detailed breakdown on the top five ways to guarantee your safety while using an outdoor fire pit:

5 proven ways recommended by experts 

1. Choose The Right Location

Distance from Structures

You should locate your outdoor fire pit at a gap of at least 10 feet or 3 meters from any sort of building. 

Consequently, you should maintain a gap of 3-4 feet from the fire pit. This would help to prevent fire hazards and fire spreading.

Adequate distance from an outdoor firepit

Avoid Overhead Hazards

Make sure that the area around the fire pit is clear from any sort of flammable objects such as:

•  lubricants
•  wooden
•  plastic chairs
•  power lines. 

Additionally, maintaining a safe distance from trees is also a necessary thing to do.  

Surface Considerations

Put your fire pit for outdoor on a nonflammable surface such as dirt, gravel or stone.

It is preferable to use a fireproof mat as it protects the surface from any sort of heat damage. 

Never place an outdoor fire pit directly on grass or your floor. 

Wind Conditions

Avoid using your outdoor fire pit on windy days. As wind carries embers, the risk of escalating fire is high. 

Therefore always check for “local burn ban” conditions, such as mentioned in the National Weather Service (NWS)

2. Use Appropriate Fuel and Ignition Methods

Fuel Types

No matter what the fuel type is, ensuring safe burning is necessary. 

Thus, it is important that you only use the fuel type mentioned by the manufacturer. No other fuel should be used to ensure safe operation. 

Use the manufacturer specified fuel type only

Avoid Hazardous Materials

You should not burn treated 

• Wood
• Plastic
• Trash
• Accelerants like gasoline.

These materials contain toxic fumes and can be highly explosive. It can also become crucial for “outdoor fire safety” repeatedly mentioned in the U.S.Fire Administration (USFA).

Ignition Safety

To avoid any sort of physical contact with the fire, it is preferable to use

• long-reach lighters 
• matches. 

Flammable liquids should not be used to light the outdoor fire pit as there is a high risk of fire explosions with them in your backyard.

3. Implement Safety Features and Accessories

Safe accessories for outdoor fire pits

Fireproof Mats: 

You may use a fireproof mat under the fire pit. This would keep the surfaces safe from heat damage.

 (Cast Master Elite for their Heat-Resistant Fire Pit Mat)  may serve as your ideal option if you are willing to buy a fireproof mat.

Fireproof mat for outdoor fire pit

Spark Screens: 

Do use a

• firepit screen 
• safety screen

for fire pit as it helps sparks from flying out. It is especially important while using a wood-burning firepit. US Fireplace provides a wide range of reliable wood burning firepits, featuring every feature you can ever need. However if your are looking to buy a spark screens only, Firepitscreens.net can be a reliable option.

Spark screen for outdoor fire pit

Safety Guards and Fences 

Either install

• safety barrier 
• fire fence
• fire pit safety guard. 

This will help to prevent accidents by keeping children or even pets at a safe distance. For anyone looking to purchase, Jaxpety can be your optimal store.

Safety guard and fences for outdoor fire pit

Fire Extinguishers

Always keep fire extinguishing tools nearby. They may include

• Class B/C fire extinguisher 
• Water source
• Sand

This will help in taking quick action in case of an emergency situation. If you are eager to buy such a fire extinguisher, you may visit Safety Emporium. 

Fire extinguisher for outdoor fire pit

4. Supervise and Educate Users

Adult Supervision

Adults should always have the control of the firepit placed outdoor. They should never leave the fire pit unattended, especially in the presence of

•  kids 
•  pets

Safety Education

It is important that the adults teach the children about dangers and rules for safe behavior around the outdoor fire pit.

Mastering fire pit safety education

Seating Arrangements

Place the seats at a safe distance of 3-4 feet from the outdoor fire pit. 

Avoid using flammable seats in your backyard.

Alcohol Consumption

While supervising the fire pit , stay sober by reducing your alcohol intake. 

Also, remain alert to handle any situation effectively. 

5. Properly Extinguish and Maintain the Fire pit

Extinguishing Fires

After using the firepit, use sand, water, or a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire completely.

Also, stir the ashes to make sure that there are no hot spots remaining. 

Ash Disposal

Allow the ashes to cool completely before disposing them.

Do not discard the ashes in a plastic or paper bag. A metal container serves as the best option to dispose of the ashes safely. 

Regularly maintain your outdoor fire pit

Regular Maintenance

Go over your fire pit regularly to check for signs of wear and tear.

Clean, cover, and repair your firepit when not in use to keep it in pristine condition.

Covering the Firepit

To prolong the outdoor fire pit’s lifespan, use a weather-resistant cover.

No matter what the weather is, it would act as a shield to protect the firepit. 

Conclusion

These are the five important outdoor fire pit safety guidelines. They cover all the essential rules and tips for your safety while using a fire pit outdoor.

USFireplace provides you with the best outdoor firepits manufactured in China. Order whatever you need, whether you need it in bulk or a single customized outdoor fire pit. You may contact us at usfireplace.inc@gmail.com for further queries. We look forward to your positive response.