Are you excited to try out your new fire pit? Before you get to enjoy it, there are a few basic safety tips that you'll need to learn. Fire pits can be a joyful addition to your life, but you need to ensure you and your home remain safe. Keep these safety tips in mind in order to have the most fun with your fire pit for years to come.

Wet the Grass Near Your Fire

Wetting the grass will make sure that, if your fire pit throws sparks or if the radiant heat gets too much, you don't have a sudden grass fire on your hands. Grass fires can get out of hand quickly, endangering your home before you even notice they're burning. Make sure that, in addition to wetting the grass near your fire pit, you keep a watering can near your fire at all times so you can quench any smoldering grass tufts.

Always Supervise Children and Pets

Kids and pets are naturally curious about fire pits, so it's imperative that you keep an eye on them whenever they draw near. Pets will want to be near the warmth of the fire, especially on a cold night, but they don't understand that a spitting spark or too much radiant heat can be dangerous. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, children and pets should always be supervised when near the fire pit. That said, they should be allowed to enjoy it as well. Keep them at least a few feet away for maximum safety.

Place It in an Open Area

When it comes to the placement of your pit, sensible positioning is a must. Making sure your fire pit is placed in an open area without overhangs or flammable materials near it that can burst into flames will help keep your property safe. You'll want to ensure there's plenty of fresh air for both the fire and those enjoying it. Be sure to ask your contractor about ideal locations before installation to get the best results.

A family fire pit can be a lot of fun! They're warm and comfortable and can provide a safe place to build happy memories. Make sure those memories remain happy with these safety tips. To learn more about fire pit installations and maintenance, give us a call at Plank Road Fireplace & Stove Shop today!