Picture a cozy fire pit – crackling flames creating a magical evening. But wait! While fire pits offer charm, they also demand attention to safety.
In this article, we’ll cover proper Deck Safe Fire Pit use, particularly on a wood or composite deck, illustrating seven key hazards to be on top of – from setup to controlled extinguishing.
Hazard #1: Insufficient Clearance
When you’re picking a spot to use your fire pit, safety is the main concern. Keep it at least ten feet away from your house and your neighbors’ yards. Make sure there are no branches, fences, or things that can easily catch fire above it.
Even if you think the fire is far away, always measure and make sure it’s at least 10 feet from anything that can catch fire easily. Remember, on windy days, the fire can travel further and may reach things that can burn. So, be careful to keep your fire a good distance away to keep everything safe.
Hazard #2: Improper Placement
Directly placing a fire pit on your deck poses dangers and potential costly repercussions. These include severe fire damage, compromising the deck’s integrity, and leaving unsightly scorch marks. Composite decking frequently integrates plastics that are vulnerable to warping and melting under the intense heat emitted by a fire pit. Notably, Trex, a well-known composite decking producer, acknowledges that their decking can soften at temperatures as low as 176°F.
To avert these risks, avoid placing the fire pit directly on the wood deck. Instead, opt for specially designed fire pit mats or heat shields to be placed beneath. These are made to endure the extremely high temperatures associated with fire pits.
Additionally, before starting the fire, pour a few inches of sand at the bottom of the fire pit. This step enhances protection by establishing an extra barrier between the fire and your wood deck.
Hazard #3: Disregarding Weather Conditions
Using a fire pit in tough weather like drought or high winds can be risky. In dry spells, a stray spark or ember can lead to a dangerous fire, spreading fast and risking harm. Dry conditions make it easier for flames to get out of control, so check the weather and fire advisories beforehand.
Strong winds make using a fire pit more dangerous. A strong gust can blow sparks and embers unpredictably, increasing the chance of starting fires. Wind also makes flames harder to manage. Be cautious and, if it’s windy, think about postponing your fire pit plans.
Always watch the weather and follow safety rules to enjoy your fire pit without putting your surroundings at risk.
Hazard #4: Uncontrolled Sparks and Embers
Uncontrolled sparks and embers from a fire can be dangerous. They can fly out and land on things that can easily catch fire. This risk increases if there are flammable materials close by. To prevent this, it is important to maintain sufficient clearance to keep these sparks at bay. You may also want to buy a spark screen. Even when the fire has died down, hot sparks and embers can still cause fires if not managed properly. Taking care of sparks and embers is vital for keeping your surroundings safe and secure.
Hazard #5: Water and Fire Extinguisher Not Within Reach
Ensure ample water and a fire extinguisher are easily accessible. Let your guests of their location too. For many households, this is often in place, especially if the outdoor hose is nearby. However, a covered container like a bucket, tub, or pitcher filled with water can be kept close to the deck fire pit. This setup allows anyone enjoying the fire to swiftly extinguish any potential hazard.
Hazard #6: Neglecting to Extinguish Properly
After you and your friends and/or family decide to call it a night, it’s time to extinguish the fire using the water source nearby. You can try using dirt or sand to put out a fire that has died down. With a shovel, scoop dry sand or dirt into your pit to extinguish the fire. Next, you’ll want to stir it into the ash to make sure any embers are completely gone.
After you allow the fire pit and its contents to cool down completely, dispose of the ashes correctly by scooping them into a small metal bucket or another suitable container. Leaving damp ashes inside the pit might lead to corrosion over time. Plus, it could create a mess if the wind blows the ashes onto your deck – and who wants extra cleaning?
Hazard #7: Ignoring Local Rules
Different cities and towns have different rules about using fire pits, so make sure you are aware of local rules and instructions before use. It’s all about staying safe and following the rules so you can enjoy your fire pit without any worries (or fines).
Conclusion
By embracing these safety measures, you and your loved ones can enjoy an amazing deck evening next to the fire pit.
