Are Fire Pits Safe? 5 Rules You Should Always Follow - Bassemiers (2024)

FAQs

What is the safety for fire pits? ›

Use chimneys, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits outdoors at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn. Closely watch children when the fire pit is in use. Turn off or put out fires before you leave the backyard. Store matches and lighters out of children's sight and reach.

Ideally, a fire pit should be at least 10 feet away from any structures — 20 feet is even better. This includes your house, shed, fence and neighboring yards. Check the area around and above your fire pit. You don't want any plants within 10 feet of the fire pit area.

Residential fire pits are legal as long as you follow your county's laws and regulations. Local authorities put these rules in place to ensure the safety of your home, family, neighbors, and community. If you don't comply with local fire pit safety rules, you can receive fines and penalties.

Generally, the fire pit must be at least 10 feet away from the house and other structures, and at least 25 feet away from any combustible materials.

Don't let kids play around a fire pit or fire table that has recently been used. Each year, many children and teens are burned when they trip and fall into fire pits or campfires. Burns are also common when kids get too close to fires that look “out” but are still hot.

Propane fire pits are generally considered one of the safest options. Let's take a look at some of the features that make them a good choice.

Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, pine needles and leaves. Pile extra wood away from the fire. Clear the area down to bare soil. Keep your campfire safe and small, especially when it's windy. Never leave your campfire unattended.

Don't dispose of ashes immediately after extinguishing the fire. Let them cool completely before properly discarding them in a metal container or putting them to use in your garden or yard. Don't leave the fire pit burning overnight or when you're leaving the area.

In fact, many areas have laws requiring 25 feet between the fire pit and your house, shed, vehicle, deck, or other combustible materials. Your town or homeowner's association may also require a site inspection if you plan to build a permanent fire pit.

How to make a fire pit safe? ›

Keep an eye out for anything flammable, and make sure that the area around the fire pit is clear for at least 10 feet. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also recommends checking the area above the fire pit. Don't position your fire pit under overhanging branches or other flammable materials and objects.

What Do You Put in the Bottom of a Fire Pit? To create a safe, sturdy foundation for a fire pit, we use a gravel paver base. Other common materials used for the bottom of a fire pit are sand, lava stones, dirt, fire glass and concrete slabs.

In-ground fire pits are a permanent feature that can add a touch of rustic charm to any outdoor space. Let's look at how depth and diameter play a crucial role in designing these fire pits. Depth: A good depth for an in-ground fire pit is between 6 to 12 inches.

For example, if you want to be able to prop your feet on it, go with one that is about 12 to 14 inches high. If you plan to use the edge of the fire pit as a sitting wall, you'll want it to be about 20 inches. You won't want to go much higher than that, or you won't really be able to enjoy the flames and warmth.

Though fire pits should be kept safe distances away from a house and other structures, it's important that they're not placed beneath trees or next to shrubs. Shrubs and low hanging branches can easily catch embers and be lit ablaze, so make sure fire pits are not placed in locations that increase that risk.

A fire pit should be built at least 15 feet from any structure and close to a water source. Ideally, you'll want it on level ground. That will make building it much easier and sitting around it more comfortable.

Coat your fire pit after use

The best method to prevent the oxidation of the iron particles and rusting on your pit is to use a coating to insulate the steel from moisture and oxygen. The most common coating is regular kitchen spray oil, the type used in cooking.

Use bricks and pavers as a fire pit mat.

Putting concrete pavers under your fire pit will protect your grass. If you're using a fire pit on grass, it's important to use a fire pit mat. This will help protect grass from the extreme heat of the fire pit.