Love Enjoying a Fire Pit?

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

Be sure to follow important fire safety tips if you have a fire pit.

We are in the height of summer and in Geauga County fire pits have become a great way to enjoy the outdoors and relax with your friends and family.

They are also a relatively inexpensive way to enhance your outdoor space and come in a variety of types and range from elaborate to quite simple. If you are lucky enough to have a fire pit, we would like to share with the following tips our local Fire Department posted to keep in mind when it comes time to use your fire pit:

• The fire pit or approved container must be at least 15 feet away from any structure or combustible surface that can catch fire. This minimal distance is per national, state and local fire code requirements for open burning in approved containers.
• Avoid windy conditions that can blow hot embers onto combustible surfaces. It’s possible that conditions in Ohio could prompt burn bans depending on dry weather conditions.
• Remove leaves and other combustible materials around the pit to ensure the fire doesn’t accidentally spread.
• Always have a container of water nearby and a garden hose on standby before starting the fire.
• Do not use lighter fluid, kerosene or gasoline to start a fire because of the risks of severe burn injuries. Instead, place a crumpled piece of paper or cardboard or a store-bought fire starter and cover with kindling. 
• Keep children and pets a minimum of three feet from the open burn.
• Extinguish a fire by spreading the ashes over a large surface area to cool. Then, pour water over them to make sure they are completely extinguished ashes can re-ignite.
• If you have a fire that escapes your fire pit and moves into a nearby pile of kindling or a combustible surface, call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Check your home insurance policy to ensure that you’re properly covered when using an approved outdoor fire container.
• Permanent outdoor fireplaces can present zoning issues if there are existing deed restrictions and/or property set back requirements which restrict any type of structure constructed.
• Keep in mind that outdoor fire containers can produce smoke pollutants, which can be a health hazard to you and your neighbors. They can also produce smoke scares during night- time hours, if the source of the smoke is not readily apparent. These calls are treated as potential fires, committing firefighters and equipment until the source of the smoke is identified.

For more information visit http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com/ or call 440-564-7266.