How to Practice Safety When Using Your Outdoor Fire Pit
So you’ve had Dorian Construction install a beautiful outdoor fire pit in your backyard. Now you’re able to have countless events where your friends can come over and enjoy the warmth of a crackling flame. You need to be sure that you take all the necessary precautions. This way, nobody will get hurt and nothing will be damaged while you and your friends are relaxing with the warmth and staring at the flames.
Outdoor Fire Pit Safety
According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, “outdoor burning is allowed when used solely for recreational or ceremonial purposes, in the noncommercial preparation of food, or exclusively as a means of generating warmth in cold weather.” In other words, campfires, bonfires, and cooking fires are allowed.” However, the fire, “may not contain electrical insulation, treated lumber, plastics, construction or demolition materials not made of wood, heavy oils, asphaltic materials, potentially explosive materials, chemical wastes, or items containing natural or synthetic rubber.” Furthermore, “the burning must not cause a nuisance or traffic hazard.”
In addition to following the law, in order to keep you and those around you safe, there are a few other precautions that you should take. First and foremost, when you install a stationary outdoor fire pit, it should be more than 10 feet away from anything flammable. This includes your home, any trees in your backyard, and the neighbors. Chairs should be far enough away so that no one falls into the fire when moving around. You can also opt for built-in chairs.
Stay Safe
When you go to start the fire, do not use gas or lighter fluid. Be careful that your clothes do not catch fire because they are too close to the flame. If you are going to use wood, use only what will fill the pit three quarters of the way and only sticks that are dry. You should also keep your hose or other water source, a fire extinguisher, and/or some sand close by in order to put out any flair-ups.
A fire blanket is also a good idea as it can help if any people end up catching fire. Always keep your phone close by, as well. This way, if the fire gets out of hand quickly, you can call for help. When you are done using your outdoor fire pit, you should ensure that it is completely extinguished. You should review the instructions before you are ready to put out your fire. This is because water can crack ceramic fire pits as well as some metal ones.
Choose Dorian Construction for Your Outdoor Fire Pit Needs
In the El Paso area, Dorian Construction can hook you up with the best outdoor fire pit available. They will also instruct you on how to use it so that you are as safe as possible while enjoying its warmth and light on a cool fall or winter night.