Few things scream “summertime” like gathering around a fire pit with family and friends. It’s one of those quintessential summer activities that’s hard not to love. Yet before you toss a few logs on the fire, take time to familiarize yourself with the basics of fire pit safety.
Check weather conditions.
Before starting a fire, check the forecast for unusually windy conditions. Wind can make it hard to light kindling and can blow sparks to nearby structures, potentially resulting in a fire.
Only build in an open area.
Never light a fire under an overhang or trees and keep the area around the fire pit free of flammable objects.
Be careful what you burn.
Branches and seasoned hardwood make for a great fire, but construction materials like MDF, plywood, and chemically-treated construction lumber are no-nos. The adhesives, resins, and other substances these materials are treated with will emit toxic fumes when burned.
Prepare to extinguish flames.
Fire can be unpredictable even under the safest of conditions. Keep a shovel and some water on hand should you need to smother the flames with dirt and quench the fire. Consider investing in a fire blanket which can be used to smother a blaze, and don’t forget to “stop, drop, and roll” should your clothes catch fire.
Keep chairs and guests at a safe distance.
As the night gets cooler, it’s common for guests to settle in closer to the fire. Getting too close can lead to clothes, hair, or other materials getting burned. Keep everything and everyone at a safe and yet still-enjoyable distance.
Do not leave a fire unattended.
If you must head inside for a brief respite, leave a responsible adult in charge. Once festivities have died down, be sure to fully extinguish the fire before heading indoors. Pour water over live embers and rotate logs to ensure that all wood has stopped burning.
Enjoy responsibly.
Alcohol impairs judgement, coordination, and reflexes – a dangerous combination around an open flame. If you and your guests are enjoying libations, do so in moderation and keep all alcohol a safe distance from the fire.
When it’s time to head indoors, what awaits you? Cool, comfortable conditions or the result of an under-performing AC system? If yours is no longer up to par, contact the HVAC pros at Optimum Air today for exactly the right solution.
