Thinking of a Building a Fire Pit? Some Things To Consider

Backyard fire pits are a popular way to add ambiance to your backyard, and they also serve as a social centerpiece when entertaining outdoors. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when it comes to fire pit safety.

Know Local Codes

• Check with your local fire department for fire pit codes and regulations
• Some communities require a fire permit in areas prone to drought

Choose a Safe Location

• Avoid placing your fire pit on grass
• Keep it 10 to 20 feet away from flammable structures (shed, wood deck, picnic table) or trees
• Surround the fire pit with fireproof materials (concrete, gravel, brick, slate, stone)

Before You Start the Fire

• Remove leaves, mulch, and branches that are within five feet of the fire pit
• Never start a fire if a strong wind is forecasted
• Keep a bucket of sand or dirt and a garden hose nearby to cool
• Have a Class A fire extinguisher available in case of an emergency

Starting the Fire

• Use long-stemmed matches
• Avoid using an accelerant (lighter fluid, kerosene, gas)
• Burn eco-wood pellets and recycled fire logs to create less smoke
• Use small, dry hardwood (ash, hickory, oak)
• Avoid using softwoods (cedar, pine), which can generate flying embers
• Use a long-handled poker and tongs to move logs
• Place a metal screen over the fire to limit sparks jumping out

Once the Fire is Lit

• Keep children and pets at least three feet away
• Never leave the fire unattended
• Use stable outdoor furniture (not folding) if you plan to gather around the pit

Extinguishing the Fire

• Let it burn out
• A snuffer (metal cover) will cut off the oxygen feeding the fire
• Douse with water
• Turn off — if you have a gas fire pit
• Stir the ash and embers

Disposing of Ashes

• Wait for the fire to cool
• Ashes can remain hot for up to 2 to 3 days
• Only dispose of in a metal can specifically for ashes
• Never discard hot ashes in paper bags, cardboard boxes, or compost piles
• Clean the pit after removing ashes to avoid rusting

NJM Insurance Group’s Commitment to Safety

NJM’s enduring commitment to safety can be traced back to our earliest days — with a focus that has expanded from improving conditions in manufacturing facilities to helping keep customers safe on the roads and at home. NJM is a leader in personal and commercial auto, homeowners, and workers’ compensation insurance.