How do I use my fire pit safely?

Have you installed a fire pit recently? Make sure that you are using it safely!

First, make sure that the area around your fire pit is clear. If you have any heat sensitive plants, open firewood, bales of hay, pillows or any other flammable materials, make sure they have been moved away from the area. 

If you have a gas fire pit, you are able to start it up with the click of a button. If you have a wood burning fire pit, it will require a little more work to get the fire going. 

As you begin to build your fire, make sure that you don’t use any starter logs or gels if you are planning on cooking or roasting marshmallows over the flame. You don’t want to ingest harmful chemicals. You also don’t want to use pressure treated wood. This will also cause toxic fumes that you don’t want your family breathing in. 

To build a fire in the pit, place larger logs on the bottom. Speed the logs out to cover the base. Next, place smaller logs on top in a criss-cross pattern—this will allow airflow. Next, add some tinder. Tinder can be created from dry grass, leaves or newspaper. Finish off by placing smaller twigs on top. Light the tinder with a long match or lighter and watch the fire get going. Enjoy time around the fire!

Finally, make sure that when you are done enjoying your fire pit that the flames are completely put out. Allow your fire to burn down completely to ash. If you aren’t able to do that, pour water over the fire to make sure that all the embers are drowned. Continue until there is no more hissing. Another alternative is to cover the embers with damp dirt or sand. Just make sure that there aren’t embers before leaving the fire pit unattended. 
Have questions about a fire pit? Give us a call, (864) 275-2039!