Safety Fire Pit Tips
Fire Pit Safety Guide in Westchester County, NY
Backyard fire pits are a source of enjoyment and connection. However, they can quickly become a hazard without the proper precautions. To encourage responsible fire pit ownership and usage, Bellantoni Landscape is here to serve as your guide to fire pit safety in Westchester County, NY.
What Is an Outdoor Fire Pit?
Outdoor fire pits are among the most popular functional landscape features. Designed to control and contain open flames, backyard fire pits come in many different forms, including portable and built-in. Depending on your objectives, these hardscape elements can be crafted from various materials, including metal, brick, and stone.
The Role of Fire Pit Installation
Fire pit installation plays a pivotal role in landscape design. These features allow homeowners to enhance the ambiance and enjoyment of their outdoor space. However, professional fire pit installation is necessary to maximize the value of your investment without infringing on the safety of your family, property, or the environment.
The Importance of Responsible Fire Pit Installation
Professional fire pit installation involves more than creating a well-made fire pit. These services are also responsible for considering and implementing influential factors such as proper ventilation and strategic placement to adhere to local regulations and compliance standards while ensuring your backyard is safe from open flames.
Fire Pit Safety Tips
At Bellantoni Landscape, we are committed to helping first-time and seasoned fire pit owners elevate the safety and enjoyment of their outdoor living space. Prioritizing safety at the forefront of all we do, we are here to share the most effective fire pit safety tips for homeowners in Westchester County, NY.
Check Local Burn Regulations & Alerts
Before purchasing fire pit accessories and planning exciting activities with the family, get familiar with local regulations. Depending on the climate, some regions are subject to burn laws and/or temporary restrictions and alerts during dryer times of the year. You should also verify if your municipality requires fire pit permitting before scheduling your fire pit installation.
Have Water & Extinguishers Nearby
Accidents can happen with no warning. This means keeping water and a fire extinguisher nearby when using your outdoor fire pit is essential. This precautionary measure ensures you are prepared should the unexpected strike.
Check the Wind Conditions
A strong gust of wind combined with an open flame can lead to devasting consequences. Wind can quickly carry the sparks from a fire towards nearby structures and flammable materials. That’s why we encourage homeowners to check local wind conditions to ensure there is no sign of bad weather prior to lighting their backyard fire pits.
Use the Appropriate Wood
Certain species and types of wood are better suited for fire pit usage than others. At Bellantoni Landscape, we recommend using kiln-dried hardwood, maple, or oak to achieve a safe, clean burn. We advise our clients to refrain from painted or treated wood as these materials emit hazardous chemicals into the air.
Safely Secure Excess Firewood
Even moderate wind can cause sparks to travel away from the confines of your fire pit. For this reason, it’s important to prioritize secure storage of excess firewood. To mitigate fires caused by rogue sparks, keep spare wood in a dry, sheltered, and accessible area a good distance away from your firepit.
Keep the Right Fire Pit Accessories Handy
At Bellantoni Landscape, we encourage clients to be proactive rather than reactive. Instead of waiting for disaster to strike, we recommend investing in fire pit safety accessories, including a fire screen to control stray embers and sparks, fire-resistant gloves to move burning firewood easily, and well-insulated, long-handle tongs or fire poker.
Create a Fire-Stop Buffer
Strategic fire pit installation and placement can lower the risk of accidents. However, this does not negate the importance of creating a fire-stop buffer. To prevent fire from spreading out of control, make a trench around the area of your fire pit using fire-safe rocks or sand.
Practice Responsible Fire Pit Monitoring
Never leave active fires unattended. Uncontrollable flames can spread in the blink of an eye, meaning even a short trip inside is enough time for your fire to get out of hand. To maintain the safety of your property, practice responsible fire pit monitoring and always fully extinguish flames before turning in for the night.
Add Outdoor Lighting
Fire pits illuminate your outdoor space to some degree. However, they do not offer enough light for safe nighttime navigation. To avoid trip and fall accidents and fire pit injuries, incorporate some outdoor lighting features into your landscape design.
Avoid Intoxication
A warm fire pairs well with a cold beer. However, the combination of intoxication and uncontrollable flames does not mix well. To maintain optimal fire pit safety, moderate your alcohol intake when enjoying your outdoor fire pit.
Get Started With Backyard Fire Pit Installation
Whether it’s time for an upgrade or you’re considering a new outdoor fire pit, you’ve come to the right place. Discover the highest standards of quality fire pit installation with Bellantoni Landscape in Westchester County, NY. Contact us to get started today.