Fire Safety 101 – Fire Pits

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety 101 – Fire Pits

Especially during the fall and winter months, fire pits are often used for social events, along with cooking out hotdogs and smores! Before you throw your first party though, remember these tips how to keep the occasion safe for everyone in attendance.

• When purchasing or building a fire pit, take into consideration the size of the area. A fire pit should be at least 10 feet away from any structure, or other items that could catch on fire easily. This can include trees, fences, smaller buildings, phone or power lines, and more. They should also be kept at least 25 feet away from muti-residence buildings, such as apartment buildings.

• Make sure seating is large enough to be comfortable and well ventilated.

• Check wind direction before lighting any type of flame.

• Do not use flammable liquids to light or relight the flame.

• When lighting a fire, use a lighter to ignite a few pieces of paper and small pile of sticks. As this catches fire, add larger sticks and DRY logs.

• Using a fire pit screen will prevent embers from leaving the controlled area.

• Do not wear flammable materials while tending the fire, or any loose clothing.

• Always have someone tending the fire, and make sure children and pets are kept away from the flames.

• Keep water nearby in case of emergency.

• Before leaving the fire pit, make sure that the ashes are completely put out, and there are no more embers remaining.

For more information on this topic, visit Allstate’s website: www.allstate.com/blog/considering-backyard-fire-pit/