How Safe Are Fire Pits? (8 Safety Rules You Need to Know!)


How Safe Are Fire Pits

Anyone has been taught from a young age to “don’t play with fire.” So in the subconscious of many people, things related to fire have potential dangers, such as fire or explosion.

With that in mind, you might wonder, “How safe are fire pits?” If so, rest assured that you will get the correct answer in this article. Scroll down to see details!

How Safe Are Fire Pits?

A fire pit can be hazardous to homeowners and the environment, especially if it is not properly tended. How safe are fire pits?

  • Build a fire in the open
  • Never leave a fire unattended
  • Check the wind conditions
  • Be Ready to extinguish the flames
  • Heed no-burn alerts
  • Store firewood safely

According to the United States Fire Administration, approximately 5,000 Americans are injured yearly by wood and charcoal burning or propane gas. This statistic also includes fire pits and comes with several safety risks.

In addition to the risk of injury, fire pits also pose a health risk to homeowners and those around them.

Burning solid fuels such as wood and coal in the fire pit produces many air pollutants, including higher levels of fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other toxic chemicals. 

Smoke from a fire pit can be harmful. In particular, long enough exposure to wood smoke can reduce lung function and increase the risk of developing lung and heart diseases, such as chronic bronchitis and angina.

The fact is that the elderly, kids, and those with respiratory issues, such as asthma, will be more likely to develop health problems. Meanwhile, their existing problems may become worse.

This is why advocates and groups have called for fire pits to be banned for safety and health reasons, even though they are often met with community resistance.

We believe you should be okay with putting a fire pit in your backyard, as long as you take proper safety precautions.

What Are the Different Types of Fire Pits? 

Cast-Iron Fire Pit 

This rustic-looking fire pit is one of the most popular types on the market. It is high in durability, hard-wearing, and long-lasting.

Yet, it might be pretty heavy and leave oxidation marks on your pavement.

Stainless-Steel Fire Pit

The stainless-steel fire pit features a sleek modern look and works like a cast-iron one. It is hard-wearing and highly durable (not prone to rust as the standard steel pit).

However, this type can be more expensive than standard steel and cast iron.

Steel Fire Pit

It is the cheapest fire pit type, usually sold at hardware stores. It can be built to look like a stainless-steel and cast-iron fire pit but is prone to rust.

This fire pit type will deteriorate much quicker than cast iron and stainless steel.

Brick/Stone Fire Pit

The brick fire pit is typically built into a yard. It is okay to install this fire pit yourself or get professional help.

This fire pit is sturdy and suitable for cooking, but it is not portable and can take up a lot of space. Installing this fire pit is also costly and time-consuming.

Smokeless fire pit

The smokeless fire pit is durable and works well with built-up areas and people concerned about smoke inhalation.

Moreover, it is easy to light and produces a lot of heat. But this fire pit uses more fuel and has limited design options.

Chiminea

A chiminea, or chimney, is one traditional Mexican outdoor fireplace utilized for cooking and warmth.

It is best at radiating heat, features minimal smoke, and can be utilized in any weather condition.

You can use it as a woodfire pizza oven or BBQ/grill, but it could be expensive.

Safety Rules You Should Always Follow Around the Fire Pit 

Check Out the Wind Condition

Before starting to light your fire pit, check out the local weather forecast. In addition, always inspect the wind direction before starting your fire. 

We recommend sitting on the upwind side of your pit to avoid smoke. If you own a portable fire pit, you should move it to a site with a natural windbreak before lighting the fire.

Light the Fire Pit in an Open Area

Lighting a fire pit underneath the overhang of one building or tree is never wise.

Your fire pit can ignite nearby structures, leaves, dry wood, or other debris, resulting in a fire.

So before lighting a fire, you should keep the area around your pit clear of waste and other flammable materials.

Avoid Burn Construction Lumber

When it comes to fueling a fire pit, you can use the branches from damaged oak trees or logs or hardwood kindling which can be purchased easily.

It is okay to use softwoods like pine, though they might burn less efficiently and produce more smoke and sparks than harder woods.

Remember never to put construction materials into a fire pit, such as plywood, MDF, pressure-treated posts and boards, and chemically treated wood pallets.

They are treated with adhesives, chemical resins, and other substances that can emit toxic gasses when burned.

Keep Chairs Away From Your Fire Pit

Maintaining a safe distance between seats with your fire pit is essential. Otherwise, your clothes, hair, or other materials will catch fire. 

In addition, ensure your hair is tied, and sleeves are rolled up when tending a fire and roasting food over your pit. If your pit features a screen, just utilize it.

Never Leave Your Fire Pit Unattended

Even if the fire is out and only embers are left behind, never leave it unattended.

If you have to leave, send someone to stay with the flame, or extinguish it completely before leaving.

Minor flames seem innocuous, but they are still a potential threat to your safety and others. Remember that there have been countless serious fires stemming from almost-extinguished fires in US history.

Pour water over embers and logs and ensure all of them have stopped burning before leaving.

Drink Responsibly

Alcohol is flammable. In addition, overindulgence in alcohol will impair coordination, reflexes, and judgment, which might cause injury to people gathered around your fire pit.

If you and others are drinking around a fire pit, ensure to do it in moderation. 

Keep people at a safe distance from your pit, and be all set to be ready to fight the fire should any alcohol-induced mishap occur.

Heed No-Burn Alerts

When weather conditions and high emissions combine to raise fine particulate pollution to unhealthy levels, some areas issue no-burn alerts to protect air quality.

Failure to comply with no-burn orders will risk your community’s health.

In addition, you may also have to pay a fine. As a result, before lighting your fire pit, check out to see if there are no-burn advisories in effect.

Store Your Firewood Safely

If you want to keep your fire pit going all evening, you must continue to feed it with fuel. But you should keep firewood at a safe distance from the pit.

You want to feed your pit at your own pace instead of leaving it to jump into your fire pit and feed itself!

Be Ready to Extinguish the Flames

Better safe than sorry, so you should always keep the water and a shovel at hand in case of an emergency. In an emergency, you can pour water to quench the flames or use the shovel to smother them by throwing dirt on them.

FAQs

What Can I Use to Fuel My Fire Pit?

If you are new to the fire pit, you may be surprised to know that so many fuels can be used for fire pits. But here are the common types:

  • Ethanol
  • Propane
  • Natural Gas
  • Wood Pellet

What is the Best Fuel For Fire Pits?

If you are concerned about the environmental effect of a fire pit, you should choose an ethanol model.

The ethanol fire pit is the most environmentally friendly choice. It delivers a beautiful flame, is effortless to install, generates little odor, and requires little maintenance or cleanup.

What Materials Can I Use for the Bottom of My Fire Pit?

You can use some materials for the bottom of your fire pit. This list will highlight the best things that you can consider:

  • Sand 
  • Dirt
  • Gravel 
  • Stones
  • Fire Glass
  • Lava Rocks
  • Concrete Slabs 

Can You Put a Fire Pit on Grass? 

Fire pits can be placed directly on top of grass. But without proper precaution, there can be significant damage to the grass.

The Bottom line

Fire pits can be a fun outdoor activity in the chill months of the year. But it can be hazardous to you and the environment.

If you decide to put a fire pit in your yard, we recommend understanding any potential risks and taking proper safety precautions. 

Thank you for following this post!

James Lopez

James Lopez is a lifestyle journalist. In addition to working as a journalist, he also takes courses in landscape design. He is pretty focused on the outdoor space, especially the backyard.

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