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.

References:

Lucian Deaton, “4 simple steps to ensure your fire pit does not become a wildfire,” https://www.nfpa.org/news-and-research/publications-and-media/blogs-landing-page/fire-break/blog-posts/2020/06/10/4-simple-steps-to-ensure-your-fire-pit-does-not-become-a-wildfire, (June 10, 2020).
“Grill & Fire Pit Safety,” https://njfsab.org/2019/06/28/grill-fire-pit-safety, (June 28, 2019).
Julie Martens Forney and Mick Telkamp, “Fire Pit Maintenance Tips,” http://hgtv.com/outdoors/outdoor-spaces/fire-pits-and-fireplaces/fire-pit-maintenance-tips.