Fire Pit Safety Tips - Acushnet

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

Fire pits are a great way to gather friends and family around in the backyard during the fall months. Putting out graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate is a sure way to have everyone in a good mood. This is why SERVPRO of Marion / Middleborough wants to ensure it’s only the marshmallows getting toasted. Here are some quick and simple fire pit safety tips to keep the fire bright and the mood light:

1. Clear all flammable materials away from your fire pit. Make sure it’s kept 10 feet away from the home or building. 
2. Pile dirt or rocks to keep the fire on the ground from escaping 
3. Before lighting your fire, check the wind direction. If it’s too windy, do not light your fire pit as the wind can cause the flames to travel.
4. Contrary to popular belief, lighting fluid is not safe for light a fire pit. Use a commercial fire starter kit with kindling on top. 
5. Once the fire pit is lit, never leave it unattended and never leave children or pets near the fire pit without adult supervision.
6. Avoid softwoods like pine or cedar to prevent flying sparks and flame “pops”
7. Only put enough fuel to keep the fire burning gently to prevent flare-ups and uncontrollable flames. 
8. To extinguish the flames, use water to drown out the fire and stir it with a shovel to make sure it’s fully extinguished. Use the shovel to extinguish any escaped flames as well
9. Dispose of the ashes in a metal can used only for fire pit ash storage. Careful, even after a few days the ashes are still hot enough to cause a fire. 
10. Accidents happen, even with the correct preventative measures taken. Having a fire extinguisher nearby can greatly reduce the risk of the fire getting out of control. 

Make sure to keep these tips in mind for your summertime fun. If you have any additional questions or were affected by open flames from a fire pit, feel free to call SERVPRO of Marion / Middleborough at 508-946-2397. We’re here to help.