Do you have a fire pit? If so, do you know how to keep it safe and healthy for your family? Fire pits can be a great addition to any outdoor space. They provide warmth on cold evenings, an enjoyable social experience with friends and family, and the ability to roast marshmallows at will! However, they are not without their risks. In this blog post, we will discuss some safety precautions that should always be taken when using your fire pit.
Yes, you need to make sure that you have air holes in your fire pits so they’re properly ventilated. There are several regulations revolving around this, but there are some other alternatives and measures as well that can be taken for greater safety around a fire pit.
Below we take a look at why you need air holes and other safety tips so that you can be as safe as possible around your fire pit.
Correct Ventilation For Your Fire
It does not matter if you are buying a fire pit or building your own fire pit, you need to make sure that your fire pit has ventilation.
Oxygen is needed to keep your fire pit alight, so you need to have air holes.
Proper ventilation can also help prevent fires from damaging the surrounding surface, like a patio or when a fire pit is on top of a wood deck.
Having proper ventilation helps to keep surfaces safe and clean if there are any nearby areas that could be easily damaged by an open flame such as patios with flammable materials touching them or decks with wooden boards in contact near where you would light up your bonfire.
Proper airflow is crucial for a functioning fire pit. A single hole every 24 to 36 inches around the base of your pit will do it!
The larger the pit, the more you’ll need.
There are a few key points we need to know when constructing an outdoor fire pit. Firstly, you’ll want those holes cleared of ash and debris beforehand in order for your fire to burn correctly. Also, avoid using plastic pipes or PVC-like connectors these will not withstand the heat from the fire pit!
The chemicals inside those will be released into the air in fumes when they melt.
Ventilation is important for any outdoor fire. The type of pit you choose will affect how much ventilation your area needs.
Adding a ring around the fire pit will make it so that you don’t have ash falling into your food.
Outdoors, the gas outdoor fire pits, and pre-built ones are meant for open spaces. They will have ventilation in mind already but just in case you weren’t aware, it is not possible to burn wood at a gas firepit.
Consider Smokeless Fire Pits
There are many great alternatives to traditional fire pits that can help lessen the risk of inhalation damage. One such alternative is a smokeless pit, which controls airflow and heat so that there isn’t any chance for smoke release into the air during use.
When you think about fire pits, what comes to mind is the smell of smoke and exhaust. But not with these well-tuned engines that release little exhaust! Plus don’t worry if a base isn’t available because it’s in the ground.
With a smokeless fire pit, you can enjoy the heat of an outdoor fire without having to deal with all that pesky soot.
If your next backyard get-together needs some extra warmth or ambiance but doesn’t have any trees nearby for roasting marshmallows and s’mores then consider getting yourself one of these newfangled smokeless pits!
The traditional Dakota fire pit is a smokeless way to enjoy the warmth of an open flame without polluting your surroundings. It’s basically two small pits in the ground with a vent tunnel. That channels fumes outside, making it perfect for those who want their outdoor experience free from smoky smells.
The tunnel is where the airflow will be, which means a fire could start when it finally meets with that oxygen.
Looking for something a little different? The perfect fire pit for camping should be small and portable with a constant stream of fresh air. Rocket stoves come in various shapes to fit any need, making them easy to take on your next adventure!
The last option is having a smoke-free pit insert for your fire pit. You can also consider free-standing patio fire pits too. Which will give you the look and feel of an outdoor fireplace without any mess or worry about ashes getting on everything around it!
If you’re looking to reduce smoke, then it might be smart for you to invest in one of these options. Air holes help too but they are not as effective.
Fire Pit Safety Tips
To make sure you maintain a safe environment while enjoying your fire pit, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- It’s important to make sure you’re using a fire pit in an open space and outside with plenty of airflows. There are a few exceptions, like indoor gas fire pits, but ventilation is still key! When setting up your outdoor fire scape consider the safety zone around it. Clear away anything that could catch on fire like branches or low-hanging plants. So you don’t have any accidents after dark!
- It’s important to read the owner’s manual when you get a fire pit. You’ll find tips on how to use it and maintain your new purchase. But also safety information that will help keep everyone safe!
- Be sure to know the rules about fire pits in your town and take more precautionary measures than are recommended.
- If you’re looking to spark up your backyard and have a great evening, don’t use any of those volatile liquids like gasoline or lighter fluid. They’ll just start a fire that could be dangerous for everyone around.
- Keep out of the fire pit any items that contain toxic chemicals, and use only safe materials for gathering around. If you accidentally throw one in there or it falls on its own accord, don’t panic: all is not lost!
- Always have the three essentials when you’re around a fire pit. Keep water, an extinguisher, and a blanket handy in case of emergencies. So that none of us are left without protection from harm’s way while enjoying our time together outside!