Fire Pit Safety: Expert Advice on Installation and Usage

You won't find a better way to spice up at-home entertaining than adding a fire pit to your outdoor living space. Friends and family gathered around dancing flames create memories that last forever. 

Extend the outdoor entertaining season indefinitely in many places with a cozy ring of fire. But whether you go for a custom-built fire pit or make it a family DIY project, follow these guidelines for installation and use to ensure your safety.

Know your best fire pit options

A DIY fire pit assembled from a kit or other materials should be installed on a nonflammable surface. if you want a fire pit that burns fuel such as propane or natural gas, a professional should install the gas connections.

You can install a fire pit on a wooden deck with special installation and safety practices. You'll need to buy or construct a stone or metal fire pit pad to go underneath. The pad should extend at least 2 feet beyond the fire pit. Make sure the deck can handle the weight, and always use an ash catch tray. Add a layer of sand between the fire pit and the deck for additional protection. 

Not all materials can be used to build fire pits. Concrete blocks and campfire-style stones will crack or splinter from high heat. Powder-coated aluminum and corten steel are better options.

Know your local codes and regulations

Research your local city or county codes for fire pits and make sure yours will comply. You may need a permit or even an inspection by a fire official. If your community has an HOA, check their rules, too. 

Every locale will differ. Some may forbid wood-burning fire pits due to smoke pollution, while others may not allow fire pits on wooden decks.

Know where to put your fire pit

Finding the best place to install your fire pit is a safety decision. Some jurisdictions mandate the distance away from other structures, and it's usually 10 feet. Even better, place your fire pit 20 feet away from your house or any other structure. 

Install the fire pit on a level surface, and watch out for hanging limbs from trees overhead. Remove any plants, including grass, and surround it with sand, crushed stone, or another noncombustible material. 

Practice wood-burning fire pit safety

Keep a watchful eye on your fire at all times. Avoid building a fire on windy days. A breeze can carry sparks and ignite a blaze elsewhere. Use long-handled tongs and a poker to manage the logs. Don't use gasoline or lighter fluid to start a fire, and don't burn paper or plastic. 

It's best to burn hardwoods like oak or maple. Pine and other softwoods burn too quickly, creating sparks and excess smoke. 

Practice gas fire pit safety

Some homeowners prefer gas fire pits because they burn cleaner. It's still important to tend your fire and keep the burner free from obstructions. Always inspect it before you use it, and keep it covered when it's not in use. A cover will keep insects from crawling in and clogging the burner. 

Only cook on gas fire pits designed for cooking, including s'mores. Melted marshmallows can cause the burner to clog. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions on how to clean your gas fire pit. 

Follow TheHomeMag on Facebook and Instagram for more great outdoor living tips.