If you decide to add a fire pit to your yard, make sure you take the necessary safety precautions.
Fire pits are an attractive addition to any property. They add warmth on cold nights, while enhancing your home’s style and boosting property value. In fact, the featured image on this blog was installed by Xscape 2 Nature, an expert in fire pit design.
However, as fun as they are, fire pits can be dangerous if you don’t properly manage them. If you decide to add a fire pit to your yard, make sure you take the necessary safety precautions. Here are some tips on how to do so.
Keep Fire Pit Away from Other Structures
While having the fire pit close to your house can be convenient, placing it within 10 feet of the structure can be unsafe. It is recommended that the fire pit be placed 25 feet from buildings and neighboring yards, though 10 feet is acceptable if necessary.
Be Aware of Flammable Materials and the Wind
Make sure your fire pit is built on nonflammable ground, such as a concrete patio or a dirt patch. Do not install your fire pit directly on your lawn. Additionally, clean up any other flammable materials like fallen leaves and twigs within five feet of the pit, and be aware of anything downwind that could catch fire if an ember were to escape. If it’s too windy outside, consider saving the fire for another day
Choose the Right Fuel Source
When choosing your fuel source, you have a few options, such as wood or propane. Each has its pros and cons, like wood’s natural smell and sound, or propane’s quick ignition. There’s no universal answer, so consult a professional and find out which fuel works best for your home.
Keep the Fire Small
Small and medium pits are not meant for large bonfires and cannot contain them. Stay within the limits of your pit to keep the flames under control and prevent them from spreading outside. If large bonfires are something you’re looking for, you’ll need to invest in a larger fixture.
Fully Extinguish All Fires
Accidents happen. If a fire starts to get out of control, put it out immediately. Never leave a fire unless you know it is completely out. Drown the flames in water and stir the pit with a shovel to smother all the embers. If you can see hot embers or the fire still hisses when you add more water, then it isn’t out yet. It is best to have a source of water, like a filled bucket or garden hose, nearby at all times when the fire pit is in use, just in case
Now that you have a better understanding of safety precautions for firepits, it’s time for the fun part: designing your landscape. At Lehnhoff’s Supply, we offer a full range of hardscaping materials to help our customers create beautiful features such as fire pits. We will help you design the property of your dreams! Contact us today to get started,
Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help
If you still have more questions about fire pit safety, the trained professionals at Lehnhoff’s Supply are here to help you.
Find us at 2708 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047 and give us a call at 410-510-7646. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook, X – Twitter, and Pinterest!
We serve but aren’t limited to, the following parts of Maryland: Harford County – Fallston, Forest Hill, Joppa, Edgewood, Bel Air, Churchville, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Street, Aberdeen, Abingdon, and Joppatowne. In Baltimore County: Kingsville, Perry Hall, Overlea, Fullerton, Nottingham, Parkville, Towson, Carney, Loch Raven, Lutherville, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Sparks, Glyndon, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Ruxton, Parkton, Glen Arm, Baldwin, Monkton, Long Green, White Marsh, Rosedale, Phoenix, and Fork.