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Fire Pit & Outdoor Fire Safety | SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County
6/16/2023 (Permalink)
Fire pits can be dangerous. If your fire spreads outside its pit, call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County to restore your home to preloss condition.
Is there anything better than gathering outside with the family? Watching the kids play peacefully and hearing the crickets chirp and birds sing can be magic in and of itself, but add a fire pit or throw some burgers on the grill and you have a night where core memories are made.
Enjoying our outdoor space often includes an open flame, even if it’s just a few candles to set the mood (and deter the bugs). We may also need to use fire to keep our yards clear of debris, especially when the leaves start falling.
Any time you have an open flame outside, though, there is the potential for things to go very wrong very quickly. Fortunately, with a few precautions in place and a little extra planning, you can keep your home and your family safe from fire disasters.
Fire pits are a great way to create a common space to gather with your family in the exterior space of your home. Sitting around a fire evokes all the warm and fluffy good feelings you enjoy sharing with the people you love most, and marshmallows are always a welcome treat.
When they are not handled correctly, however, fire pits can turn dangerous quickly.
Fire pits should be placed at least 10 feet from any existing structures, and loose limbs, leaves and other debris should be cleared out before every use. Only use materials intended for burning in a fire pit, and never add accelerants to the flames. Avoid wearing loose clothing while you are near the fire pit, and make sure kiddos and pets can stay a safe distance away.
Always check local codes before adding a fire pit to your yard. Never leave a fire pit unattended, even if it means staying up well past your bedtime to ensure every red ember is extinguished.
If a fire pit isn’t for you, there is a good chance you will still use some kind of open flame when you spend time outside. Candles and grills are common sources of both house and wildfires when they are not used appropriately.
Burn candles on a non-flammable surface, and if you are lighting any kind of torch-style candle, place it away from anything flammable and only use approved fuel sources. Never leave a hot grill unattended, and make sure you are cooking in an open space to prevent flames from reaching any overhangs as well as to avoid any fume inhalation.
If you plan to burn debris, always check for permit needs, burn bans and the weather. Skip open flames altogether when the wind is high or there hasn’t been rain in a while.
Enjoy every moment by staying fire-aware and preventing unnecessary fires in your outdoor living space.
Do you have fire or smoke damage in your home? Contact us for fast restoration.