Fire Safety
Fire pits, fireplaces and heaters are attractive additions to any outdoor decor, but any time you're dealing with an open flame you should always be responsible and take the necessary precautions to avoid any accidents. Although it may be a central point of congregation and socialization, make sure it is also safe. The last thing expected or wanted to happen at a backyard party or gathering is an unforeseen accident. Always know how and where to shut off your liquid propane and natural gas supply in case of an emergency.
Here are a few simple tips to keep your family, friends, and home safe during all of your outdoor activities while tending a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, or patio heater!
- Keep away from flammable material and fluids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid or vehicles while in use.
- Do not use flammable fluids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid to light or relight fires.
- Do not allow children to operate the fire pit, fireplace, or heater. Keep children and pets away.
- Do not wear flammable or loose fitting clothing such as nylon.
- Do not burn trash, leaves, paper, cardboard, or plywood. Avoid using soft wood, such as pine or cedar, that is likely to pop and throw sparks. Use of seasoned hardwood is suggested.
- Before starting the fire, make sure that the lid will still close to extinguish the fire in case of emergency. Do not overload.
- Before you light the fire, check the wind direction AND speed. You do not want to light a fire when it's windy. The wind can carry sparks and set fire to your property, house, or worse.
- Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby.
- Do not place your fire pit under a low hanging tree where errant sparks and heat might ignite dry foliage and branches.
- When using a fire pit on a wood deck, buy a fireproof pad for your unit to sit on. This pad will protect your deck from scorch marks.
- Be sure to clear away brush and dead or dry vegetation in a 10"-20" circle around your outdoor fire pit, fireplace, or heater.
- Since fire pits, fireplaces, and patio heaters can be unpredictable and dangerous, never try to move a fire treatment that isn't cold. Use a log grabber to move and arrange logs.
- Never leave your fireplace, fire pit, or patio heater unattended!
With a little care and forethought, these fire pits, fireplaces, and heaters can be safe, almost worry free additions that will bring warmth and joy to all of your outdoor festivities for years to come.
