Fire Pit Safety: A Key Element of Fire Damage Prevention in Midlothian, TX

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian highlights how prioritizing fire pit safety can prevent fire damage to homes and structures in Ellis County.

A fire damage disaster can bring an abrupt end to a friendly gathering around the backyard firepit. However, with appropriate safety measures in place, the event does not have to end in disaster. SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian explains how simple fire pit safety practices can help homeowners prevent fire damage. When fire damage, smoke damage, or water damage occurs, SERVPRO is the local cleanup and restoration company that can quickly restore the damaged property.

Before firing up the fire pit, brush up on fire pit safety practices. By learning and consistently applying simple, practical steps, people can keep the home safe and avoid the need for fire damage cleanup.

The firepit pro or novice newcomer planning to add a firepit should review fire pit safety practices. The time investment is especially crucial for the first-time firepit enthusiast. Get the maximum enjoyment from the firepit while keeping family and friends safe.

Select a safe site for the fire pit.

Choosing the right location for the firepit is foundational to fire pit safety. Ideally, the firepit should be on level ground and ten to twenty feet away from buildings, structures, and plants. Never place a firepit below an overhang or in an area that is partly enclosed. Also, avoid overhanging tree limbs and branches since they can ignite quickly if exposed to sparks. Once the location has been selected, border the firepit with brick, sand, crushed stone, or other materials that are not combustible.

Seat guests safely.

Chairs should not be placed too close to the fire. The homeowner can ensure that seats remain at a safe distance from the pit by using heavy chairs or fixed seating. Whenever a fire pit is in use, keep a close eye on children and do not allow them to get too close to the blaze.

Use good wood.

Wood that has been seasoned for a minimum of six months is the only fuel that should be used in a wood-burning fire pit. Choose hardwoods over softwoods since softwoods often give off more sparks. Do not burn plywood, particleboard, MDF, or similar types of composite boards since these materials can produce toxic fumes.

Prepare the fire correctly.

HGTV provides the following advice: “For wood-burning fire pits, cut logs so their length is less than three-quarters the diameter of the pit. Never use lighter fluid or gasoline to start a fire in a fire pit….Avoid lighting a fire in windy conditions.”

Minimize spark output.

Sparks can turn a well-controlled campfire into an unbridled inferno. Consider purchasing a firepit with a screen that prevents sparks from escaping. Also, keep a hose and a pail of sand nearby to immediately extinguish stray sparks. When using a hose to eliminate flare-ups, use the nozzle’s spray function rather than a concentrated stream, which can scatter sparks. Fire gloves and fire blankets are other valuable tools for gaining control of a fire.

Invest in a fire extinguisher.

A fully charged fire extinguisher can be a lifesaver. Look for a dry-chemical extinguisher with a Class B and Class C or multipurpose rating. Homeowners need to educate themselves on the proper use of the device and should understand the fire extinguisher’s effective range, which is typically 6 to 10 feet. If the firepit uses gas, shut off the gas before extinguishing the flames.

Douse according to the directions.

At the end of the evening, douse the fire properly. Many manufactured fire pits come with instructions for extinguishing the blaze. Remember, water can crack ceramic fire pits and some metal ones, so follow the instructions closely.

Since 2000, SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian has been serving the local area, and the damage restoration company is centrally located in Ellis County. The restoration experts specialize in residential, commercial, and large-scale disaster cleanup and restoration.

Customer service is a priority at SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian, and the team strives to reduce stress and provide rapid results. One satisfied client writes, “Thank you so much for all your hard work during a difficult situation! Quick response and always professional. The build back company even commented that the work was really well done.”

To learn more about SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian’s fire damage restoration services, email the office at acarey@SERVPRO10932.com. The team can also be contacted by phone at (972) 935-0827