How to Have a Safe Fire Pit

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Fire pits are a great addition to your outdoor space and can be fun to gather around with family and friends. As the weather is getting nicer, they are a great excuse to get outside and enjoy spring. But as fun as fire pits can be, taking safety precautions is extremely important to avoiding possible fire-related disasters. Misuse use of fire pits can often lead to grass fires that can spread to neighboring properties, or worse: house fires. The following tips will help you enjoy your fire pit while also staying safe:

Placement of Your Fire Pit

• At least 10 feet away from homes, other structures, and neighboring yards
• Never place under a covered porch, low hanging tree branches, or mounted awnings
• Make sure the surface under your fire pit is non-flammable

Preparing for Your Fire

• Make sure no flammable materials are place near your fire pit
• Create a barrier of rocks or cement blocks to keep fire contained (if you are not using store-bought)
• If you are building your own fire pit, make sure the pit is at least 6 inches deep at center and at least 2 feet across

Starting Your Fire

• Be conscious of wind direction and move flammable materials accordingly
• Do not light your fire if it is exceedingly windy
• For extra safety, you can use fire-starter sticks instead of lighter fluid

For more information, call your fire professionals at SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island.