Are You Using Your Fire Pit the Correct Way? September 25, 2018

Autumn is filled with pumpkin picking, cold nights, and sitting around the campfire roasting marshmallows. Unfortunately, fire pits can be quite dangerous if used improperly. Fire pits are the cause of nearly 3,700 grass and brush fires a year in the United States. Here are eight tips to keep you and your family safe while around the campfire.

1. Place your fire pit in a safe space. Make sure you put your fire pit on a level stone, concrete or brick surface so that flying embers cannot set the grass or leaves on fire.
2. Only burn dried out, seasoned wood. You will also want wood that is no longer than three-quarters of the pit’s diameter to prevent sparks from flying.
3. Use fireplace tongs and a poker to maneuver wood into the fire and to adjust the logs. Never use your bare hands to toss or drop in logs; sparks and embers could severely burn you. 
4. Use store-bought fire starters to ignite your fire. Lighter fluid, gas, and kerosene are not safe ways to ignite your campfire.
5. Keep your fire small and tamed. In fact, it is against the law in some towns to have a blazing fire. It is also illegal in the state of NJ to burn leaves due to how flammable they are.
6. Always have the tools to put out the fire on hand. Even what seems to be a controlled fire can get out of hand. Have a fire extinguisher, sand, or garden hose close by.
7. Properly extinguish your fire when done. Spread all the ashes even and flat around the pit with your poker. Then, pour water over the ashes and make sure it is completely out.
8. Keep young children and pets at a safe distance from the fire. Kids and pets do not understand the dangers of fire and will most often, go to walk towards the fire and touch it. It is important to explain to a child how hot and dangerous fire is.

NorthEast Insurance Services would like to warn you that fire pits put your home at risk, so they need to be used with caution. A hot ember from the fire pit can find its way to inside, around, or on the top of the house and cause a fire. Having a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy to protect you and your family from this type of event is important. If you would like more information on the A rated companies we work with that can supply you with homeowners insurance, contact NorthEast Insurance Services at (732) 972-1771 ext. 1108.