Be Careful When You Play With Fire, Even in the Backyard
It’s a great feeling to hang out with friends and family around a blazing fire in your backyard in — unless, of course, that fire blazes a little too much.
While a fire pit can be a wonderful addition to your home, all fires are potentially dangerous. So before you sit down with some marshmallows to roast, we here at Lauber & Will have gathered up some tips to help you keep that fire in the pit (and away from everything else).
Are you legal?
- Before building or buying a fire pit, check the regulations in your area to learn about restrictions.
- Your fire pit may be legal, but a fire might not always be. Monitor and follow community burn bans.
- Be respectful. Nothing can extinguish the good vibes of a nice fire more quickly than police complaints from smoked-out neighbors.
What kind of pit do you want?
- You can buy a fire pit or build one. If you choose the latter, there are plenty of resources online to help you design it. Don’t dig a hole just anywhere and throw some rocks down. Put some thought into it and you’ll have a better — and safer — spot to enjoy.
- If you want convenience, a propane model might be right for you. They produce less smoke and have an adjustable flame.
Ready to build your fire?
Actually, you probably aren’t ready yet.
- First, ensure the area under and around the fire pit is clear of flammable materials. Keep the pit itself at least 10 feet from any structures.
- Before you start the fire, have a fire extinguisher or a garden hose handy.
Okay, now are you ready to build your fire?
- Choose hard, seasoned woods. Sparks from softer woods like cedar can increase the danger of igniting something nearby.
- Don’t use liquid fuels, even lighter fluid, to get your fire going. And don’t burn paper, cardboard, leaves, garbage, etc.
- If you have a metal fire pit, don’t overload it and always use the included safety screen.
Is the fire out?
- When you’re done, spread out the ashes and let them cool off for a bit. Then gently pour water or sand over them. Stick around for a little while to watch for flare-ups.
We want you to have plenty of nice, warm nights — without getting burned. Here’s to making memories around the fire!
