5 Fire Pit Safety Tips

Fire pits are some of the most requested outdoor elements, and installing one doesn’t have to be expensive.  The good news? They’re also extremely safe, as long as you follow a few key fire pit safety tips. Even if you’re inexperienced using fire pits or have kids and pets, you can use these tips to make sure the fire doesn’t get out of control.

Avoid burning pressure-treated wood in your fire pit.

You can buy lumber specifically to burn or you can gather wood from nature. Avoid burning any type of wood that has been pressure-treated. It’s more expensive, so most people wouldn’t burn it anyway. However, if you have some wood lying around from a home improvement project, it might be tempting to simply throw it in the pit. Unfortunately, pressure-treated wood often contains toxins which can be harmful to your family when burned.

Keep fire pits at least 10 feet away from structures or combustible surfaces.

A fire pit that is near your home is just asking for trouble. It may seem like no big deal, but one gust of wind could send flames flaring toward your home. Also remember to keep fire pits away from outdoor kitchens, decks, sheds, garages, and anything else that could easily burn. Large, open areas are best for fire pits.

Clean debris before starting the fire.

Yard maintenance is never-ending, right? Before starting a fire, make sure that the area around the fire pit is clear of combustible debris like dead leaves, branches, pine needles, and overgrown grass. Also, remember to look up. Are there trees that need to be trimmed before you start the fire? Make sure that the fire you build has no ability to spread, and keep a container of water or a garden hose nearby just in case it does.

Put out the fire safely.

You might think that your fire is completely out, but is it really? A fire can look as though it has gone out, but hot ashes or embers beneath the surface could flare up long after you’ve gone to bed. The best way to put out the fire is to spread out the ashes as much as possible before you pour water on it. Wait a few minutes, then stir the ashes and pour more water on them. Carefully feel the ashes before you leave your yard. They should be cool to the touch.

Make sure your fire pit is clear to see, even at night.
This last tip is not about the fire itself, but rather about the potential to trip over the pit when it is not being used. Put the fire pit in a low-traffic area when possible, and consider using stones, ropes, or a cover to prevent injury when the pit is not in use. You can also install lights so that people can see it, even when it is dark. Remember to warn your guests so they don’t trip.

If you want to learn more about fire pits, contact us today at 336-442-0160 (Triad Area) or 704-684-7211 (Lake Norman and Charlotte Area).

Better yet, right now we’re offering $1500 off any hardscape project valued at $25,000 or more. Likewise, we have an offer for a smaller project as well. Get $500 off a fire pit with a paver patio of 400 square feet or larger. Hurry! These offers only lasts until March 31, 2024.