Keeping the Fire Pit Safe

8/29/2024 (Permalink)

Have you felt the cool breeze in the air lately? After a particularly hot summer, it might be hard to believe, but a break in the heat and humidity is growing ever nearer as fall finally starts to approach. It’s time to get the pumpkin decorations out and play in the leaves.

As the season changes, many of us also start spending more time outdoors around the campfire. While you gather your friends and family around the fire pit, make sure you are taking action to keep everything safe.

Tips for Starting the Fire

Once you have your evening around the fire scheduled, there are few things you want to do to keep it safe:

Do find a spot that will be safe for placing your fire pit or campfire ring. Make sure there are no overhangs, structures or debris nearby.

Do keep water close by in case something does get out of hand. A bucket full or a hose you can turn on in a hurry can put any stray flames out before a disaster starts. Dirt or sand can also help to smother out any rogue sparks, as well as help put out the embers when all the marshmallows are gone.

Do check the weather. Look at the forecast and take note of what is happening outside the day of your fire. Even a little bit of wind can lead to a dangerous situation fast. Take a look at any burn bans that have been issued as well. These can change daily, so make sure you check the day you are planning to have your fire.

Tips for While the Fire Is Hot

As you get the fire going, keep in mind some things you want to make sure you don’t do:

Don’t try and stoke the fire with gas or lighter fluid. Tossing trash in is also a bad idea, and can result in hot and tall flames. Only use treated and approved firewood to keep things going.

Don’t let anyone play near the fire. Create a zone around the fire pit or campfire where no one plays, runs or walks in order to avoid potential accidents.

Don’t make a big fire. You can get caught up in building the fire and be tempted to make it big enough that it won’t need any added wood for a while. Keep it small, though; it only takes a single ember landing in the wrong place to result in an out of control situation.

Don’t leave the fire until it is no longer glowing red. Red embers can still create flames. Pour water over the fire when you are done for the night, and stick around until everything is completely out.

Wildfire Prevention

It is an unfortunate fact that most wildfires are started by humans. If you are going to enjoy an evening around the fire with the family, do everything you can to prevent a disaster. Use the right materials, keep it small and stick around as long as it takes for the fire to go out.

Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance 703-229-0260.