Fire Pit Safety – What precautions should you take?

Fire Pit Safety

Now more than ever, backyards have become an extension of our living space, with fire pits as the most sought-after accessory to help create the perfect outdoor living environment. However, with this rise in popularity comes an increase in fire-related accidents and injuries. Fortunately, many of these can be prevented with awareness of the hazards posed and knowledge of the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks. The following fire pit safety guidelines aim to provide you with just that.

The guidelines fall into two categories: fire prevention (the accidental kind!) and the prevention of personal injuries. While national code and local ordinances and standards address fire prevention, it is, however, left to common sense for the rest. As a result of this, many lessons have been learned the hard way. By putting into practice the safety tips and advice below, we hope you will enjoy many mishap-free evenings of fire pit magic!

Fire Pit Regulations

Local authorities, as well as homeowner’s associations, may have regulations in place regarding the type of fire pit allowed, its size, location, hours of use, etc. As local ordinances and standards vary significantly throughout the country, it is essential to consult with your local authorities before installing a fire pit. You will likely find that in high fire hazard zones, certain urban areas, or areas with poor air quality, regulations are much stricter. In some cases, wood-burning fire pits may even be prohibited altogether. Fortunately, gas-fuelled fire pits burn cleaner and present less of a fire risk, and are often allowed in areas where wood-burning ones are not.

To give you a rough idea of what you may find, we have put together a list of the most common regulations from across the country.

Where to locate your wood-burning Fire Pit

• Recreational fires should be located a minimum of 25 feet from buildings and other combustible structures or materials such as sheds, fences, decking, shrubs, trees, etc. This may be reduced to 15 feet for approved portable outdoor fire pits, depending on local code. There may also be a minimum vertical clearance requirement of up to 21 feet for overhead branches. 
• Should not be located within 10 feet of property lines. This distance varies, depending on the local code.
• Do not locate under overhead power lines or over underground utilities.
• Portable fire pits should be placed somewhere level and stable.

Fire Pit Construction

• Fire pits should have enclosed sides (min. 6-12 inches high) made from non-combustible materials such as brick, stone, or heavy-gauge metal.

• In-ground fire pits should be lined using noncombustible material such as bricks and mortar or a heavy-gauge steel ring. The base should be gravel or sand to a depth of 10 inches.

• Unless located on a rock outcrop, a 10-inch base of material such as gravel or sand should be placed under the fire pit to prevent the fire from direct contact with the earth.
• The fire pit should be encircled by a border of sand, gravel, paving, or other such noncombustible material up to 12 feet, depending on local code.

• The recommended maximum dimensions of the fuel area (interior fire pit dimensions) are three feet in diameter (roughly 7sq. ft.) and two feet high. Fire pits with a fuel area larger than this may no longer be considered “recreational”.

Fire Pit Operation

• Combustible materials, vegetation, or debris such as leaves, pine needles, brush, mulch, or anything that could cause a fire to spread, must be removed from within a specified distance of the fire pit perimeter. Typically 15 to 25 feet, depending on your fire pit or local code.
• The fire must be attended to at all times by a responsible adult until it has been fully extinguished.
• Adequate fire suppression equipment shall be immediately available to control or extinguish the fire. Operable garden hoses, sand, and shovels, water buckets or barrels, or a portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 4-A are examples of these.
• An approved mesh screen or spark arrestor must be in place to control and contain embers and sparks.
• The fire must be kept to a controllable size.
• The use of liquid accelerants to light a fire is forbidden.
• Use only clean, dry, seasoned firewood as fuel.

• It is forbidden to burn the following: Wet or unseasoned wood, treated or painted wood, and wood products containing resin or glue. Garbage, including waste from food preparation or consumption. Carcasses of dead animals. Combustible waste material. Yard waste, leaves, or brush. Construction materials. Paper and cardboard, other than what is necessary to light a fire. Substances that release toxic emissions, dense smoke, or obnoxious odors when burned. Materials containing paint, plastic, rubber, grease, asphalt, or items made from petroleum.

Burning is forbidden under the following circumstances:

• On “Air Quality Alert” days.
• During a “Total Fire Ban” period.
• During prohibited hours.
• When wind speeds exceed the maximum specified by your local fire code.
• If the fire pit or its operation does not comply with regulations.
• If it creates a nuisance or reasonably objectionable situation for nearby residents.
• Please be aware that if the Fire Department receives a complaint, they are required to respond. They may extinguish the fire if it violates local regulations or poses a hazard or nuisance, for example, smoke blowing into a neighbor’s home or embers on a nearby property.

Fire Pit Safety Advice

• Take into account the prevailing wind direction and locate your fire pit in a place that reduces the impact of smoke on your home and that of your neighbors.
• Locate your fire pit away from high-traffic areas and walkways.
• Space chairs or benches so that guests do not have to squeeze past the fire pit to reach them.
• Portable fire pits are available in a variety of styles and materials. Ensure that it is well built and provides a safe, stable base for a fire. Be aware that fire pits made from materials such as clay or metal can get extremely hot and retain the heat long after the flames have gone out. So, take care!
• With in-ground fire pits, even when not in use, there is the possibility of someone accidentally falling in! To reduce this risk, when unlit, use a lid. When in use, be extra vigilant!
• Use a poker, log grabber, or shovel when rearranging burning logs.
• Bigger is not always better! This is a common mistake people make. A fire pit should be large enough for your guests to gather around, but still be able to maintain a conversation and feel the warmth from the flames. If a structure is too big, it becomes difficult to rearrange or add logs without compromising your safety! Also, finding a safety screen to fit becomes an issue, and most importantly, roasting marshmallows becomes much harder, if not impossible, especially for children.
• Loose-fitting clothes, especially sleeves, are hazardous when tending the fire. Keep them, as well as your hair, out of the way of the flames!
• Do not put more wood into the fire than you are likely to burn. Letting it burn down completely makes it easier to extinguish. Be aware that embers can remain a fire hazard for days if not thoroughly dealt with, so double-check before leaving the fire pit that there is no residual heat. Do not bury or cover the embers with dirt, as they may continue to smolder and eventually reignite under certain conditions. Please note that using water to douse the flames may damage fire pits if made from materials such as metal or clay. To be on the safe side, keep the spark screen in place, even when you think the fire is completely out. Lastly, when removing the ashes, use a metal bucket or container and dispose of it safely!
• Do not use porous rocks, river rocks, or wet rocks in your fire pit. If exposed to intense heat, pressure can build up within the rock due to the expanding water molecules, causing the rock to explode.
• Be aware that alcohol consumption and fire pit accidents go hand in hand. Adults who have overindulged may require as much supervision as the kids.

Gas Fire Pits

Regulations

All building, gas, and electrical work must comply with local codes, so check with your local building department or fire marshal to confirm which apply. If the manufacturer’s requirements are stricter, they take precedence—not only for compliance, but also to maintain warranty and insurance coverage.

Advantages

Gas fire pits have safety advantages over their wood-burning counterparts.

• Gas fire pits can be turned on and off with the simple flick of a switch or the push of a button—no need to get close to the flames. The only exception is a match-lit system, where the burner must be lit manually.
• Many models also allow you to adjust the flame height for a customized ambiance.
• With no sparks or embers, the risk of accidental fire spreading is greatly reduced.
• When the evening comes to an end, you can head to bed knowing your fire pit is completely and safely extinguished.

Safety

• All fire pits must have an emergency shut-off valve on the exterior of the fireplace or within a distance of 6 feet. The emergency gas shutoff should not be used to adjust the flame height.
• For electronic ignition models, an electrical shut-off switch or breaker should be installed on the exterior of the fireplace. When not in use, ensure the power is switched off to avoid accidental start-up.
• Adequate fire suppression equipment shall be immediately available.
• Under operation, the fire pit must be attended at all times by a responsible adult.
• Remove all combustible materials such as leaves and paper before use.
• Children and adults should be made aware of the high surface temperatures of the appliance.
• Clothing or other flammable materials should not be placed on or near the appliance.
• Follow the manufacturer’s assembly, safety, and operating instructions!

Child Safety Advice

Keeping your children safe is probably your primary concern when considering a fire pit for the backyard. To ensure this, establish and enforce a set of fire pit safety rules. Before lighting your fire, make sure your guests, your children, and their friends know the rules.

Suggested rules and safety advice:

• Create a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around the fire pit, and set up a separate play area nearby so little ones can have fun safely.
• Encourage kids to stay seated while enjoying the fire pit’s warmth and ambiance in a calm, relaxed way.
• Always have a responsible adult supervising—children should never be left unattended.
• If you’re toasting marshmallows, keep a close eye on younger children. They’re safest sitting on laps or between knees, and remember that hot or flaming marshmallows can cause burns.
• Keep matches, lighters, and other fire-starting tools out of reach. Children should never play with flames or logs.
• For extra peace of mind, consider a child safety fence or barrier. It doesn’t have to block your view or enjoyment of the fire, just position it far enough and high enough to prevent direct contact.