Firepits can be a beautiful and very useful thing. It’s great for cooking, staying warm, and relaxing after a long week. It can also be an amazing way to get in some family time with some toasted marshmallows.
However, fire in general can be dangerous if you don't take proper precautions. All it takes is one spark to burn down a home and destroy lives. So if you want to have an outdoor firepit, it’s important that you choose a very safe place to put it. Let’s take a look at some places to avoid and some tips for choosing the right location.
Safe Places for Outdoor Firepits
It may seem like common sense, but fires produce sparks. And unfortunately, those sparks have a mind of their own. So it’s extremely important that your outdoor firepit not be anywhere near things that are flammable.
Some places to avoid are:
- Wooden decks
- Partially-enclosed spaces
- In close proximity to a house, fence, or other structure
- Beneath overhanging limbs
- Near fuel sources
- Too close to leaves or grass
Where Are the Safest Spots for Firepits?
Even though there are a number of practical areas around your home to place a firepit, the safest spots are listed below. Since everyone’s property is different, there is no on-size-fits-all answer. However, using the following tips can help you pick the best spot at your home.
Your firepit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from homes, fences, low hanging trees branches, and even neighboring properties in all directions. However, 20 to 25 feet is even better.
If you have a very open space, that might not be a problem. However, if you don’t, you might have some work to do. Be sure that you are as far from houses and fences as possible. You can always trim trees, but you’ll have to commit to doing that each time you want to use your firepit.
Distance from structures is important, but it’s not the only thing to consider. The surface your firepit is on is also important. First and foremost, be sure that it’s flat and even. If it’s not, it can easily fall over and cause a big fire.
It’s also safest to have your firepit on fire resistant material. This includes brick, gravel, concrete, and stone. Many people use pavers, as these are highly durable and heat resistant.
It’s also a really good idea to do a little research. Take a look at local laws and HOA regulations. And checking out your home insurance policy is a good step. Any of these might have additional rules that need to be followed.
Additional Safety Tips
Location of your firepit is very important, but also is the quality construction of the one you purchase. For example, the Walden Backyards' Legacy Series - Complete Firepit Insert Set would be ideal for your space outdoors. In addition to a safe area to put your firepit, consider these safety tips as an extra precaution:
- If you plan to put your firepit in the middle of your yard, you can minimize the fire risk with a bit of prep work. Consider surrounding the area with sand, crushed stone, or brick.
- Be sure your fire is out. It doesn’t matter how many tips you follow while using your fire if you go to bed while it’s still burning. One of the easiest ways to do this is with Walden’s Legacy Series Fire Pit Snuffer Lid.
- Do not leave your fire pit unattended. Fire is unpredictable and it only takes a second for something to go wrong. It’s important that you be close at all times to monitor and respond.
- Consider keeping a bucket of sand close by. Just in case something does go a bit crazy, having some sand or a fire blanket around can help.
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