10 Safety Tips for Your Outdoor Fire Pit in Seattle, WA

Your outdoor fire pit gives you the perfect opportunity to spend time with family and friends, roasting marshmallows and telling stories during the summer. It’s the perfect place to relax and warm up on a cooler evening.

Although fire pits may appear to be all fun and games, they pose some serious risks for injury and damage if not handled safely. Children, especially, are at risk near an outdoor fire pit in Seattle, WA. Here are 10 safety tips to use while enjoying your outdoor fire pit:

• Pick the proper location: Outdoor fire pits should be placed far enough from buildings or other combustible surfaces and objects to avoid causing a larger fire. A good rule of thumb is to install fire pits at least 10 feet from buildings, trees and brush.
• Clear the area: The area around your outdoor fire pit should be cleared of all brush, sticks and other vegetation prior to starting a fire. This helps to reduce the risk of fire spreading on dry ground and prevents people from tripping.
• Keep fires small: Make sure to maintain a proper size for your fire—it doesn’t need to be a large inferno to keep you warm! Keep the blaze small and manageable.
• Avoid bad weather: Check the weather before starting a fire. You should avoid using your fire pit if the forecast calls for strong winds, as this may cause embers to fly in the air and burn people nearby.
• Ignite fires safely: Start your fire with matches and small pieces of loose paper, rather than starting a blaze with gasoline. Using gas can make the fire flare up, potentially causing burns.
• Burn the right wood: Only use dead, dry wood in your fire pit. Avoid using pressure-treated wood, as this can release toxins and cause more smoke, both of which are bad for your lungs.
• Keep water nearby: Make sure to keep a small container of water near your outdoor fire pit in case of emergencies.
• Extinguish fire completely: Always use water to completely extinguish your fire, instead of dirt or sand. Wait for the coals to cool before going back inside, as wind can easily reignite hot coals.
• Monitor small children: Small children are the most likely to get hurt near a fire pit because they have a tendency to run and play too close to it. Teach children about fire safety and make sure they don’t play too closely to help them avoid getting burned.
• Work with a professional: Do-it-yourself outdoor fire pits may be relatively easy to build, but these fire pits may not be installed safely. Work with a professional to install your fire pit to avoid any safety concerns.

Outdoor fire pits make great additions to your home as long as you operate them with caution. By following these 10 tips, your family can enjoy your fire pit safely for years to come. Are you interested in installing an outdoor fire pit in Seattle, WA? Call Custom Fire Art, the experts in designing and installing custom fixtures for indoor and outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and more!

Categorised in: Outdoor Fire Pits

This post was written by Writer