Getting a patio and outdoor fireplace built is a time-consuming process. But once you give the patio contractor the money and they leave you with a beautiful outdoor living space, your real responsibility begins. The responsibility of keeping you and your family safe by following the below outdoor fireplace safety practices.

Check Local Rules And Laws

You may have covered this before the installation of the fireplace, but if not, check with the local governing body. If you’re part of a homeowners association (HOA), make sure you know and follow its outdoor fireplace rules as well.

For instance, some communities require you to acquire a permit for outdoor fireplaces and permanent fire pits while some forbid the use of an outdoor fireplace on a wooden deck.

So, check the rules and make sure you follow them. These rules are also a perfect start if you want to keep your outdoor fireplace hazard-free.

Keep A Fire Extinguisher And Other Tools Nearby At All Times

In hopes you never have to use this equipment, keep all the safety equipment ready before you light the fire in your outdoor fireplace.

Firstly, keep water and a shovel with you. In the event of a fire, put water on the fire and use the shovel to pile dirt on the fire to reduce the intensity of the flames and possibly extinguish the fire.

Moreover, a fire blanket can also prove to be helpful because it can smother a fire. Also, learn and teach kids and family members the stop, drop, cover, and roll fire technique if anyone’s clothes catch fire. It basically means stop running, lay on the ground, cover your face, and roll back and forth until the fire is extinguished.

A fire extinguisher is a must-have for anyone who takes safety seriously. There are different types of fire extinguishers so selecting the correct type should depend on which materials are around the fire. Dry powder fire extinguishers can extinguish most fire classes, but you should take expert help if you’re not sure which type to use.

Check The Weather Forecast

Before lighting the fire in your outdoor fireplace, check the weather forecast. If there is a probability of wind, avoid using the fireplace. Because if the wind blows from a certain direction, it can make your outdoor living space smoky.

But the problem doesn’t end here. Wind can move sparks from the fireplace to the surrounding items and cause a fire. So, using a wood-burning outdoor fireplace in windy conditions is a fire hazard.

For a gas outdoor fireplace, you can light a fire if the fireplace is covered. But you should still take caution and keep checking the flame because the wind can extinguish the flame. This will lead to natural gas coming out of the burner and can start a fire or explosion if enough gas is leaked and someone suddenly lights a match. But, as it’s in the outdoors, the risk of this is very less.

If there is a light breeze, you can light your wood-burning or gas outdoor fireplace making sure that the wind doesn’t direct the smoke to the area where you’re sitting. If it’s a portable outdoor fire pit, move it to another location.

Never Burn Construction Lumber

You can use many types of wood as fuel for your wood-burning fireplace. Oak wood is preferred because it’s dense and produces high energy which translates to better heat production. Moreover, oak wood burns slowly and steadily without creating sparks that are common with burning softwoods.

You can also go ahead and purchase seasoned hardwood for your fireplace but never use construction lumber. These include plywood, pressure-treated wood, MDF, and other wood types. These types are treated with chemicals that produce toxic gasses if burned.

Mind The Distance

Keeping your distance from the fireplace is paramount in avoiding outdoor fireplace accidents and mishaps. Place the chairs many feet away from the fireplace so you can hang out with family or friends without the danger of anyone’s clothes or hair catching fire.

This advice becomes more important when there is cooking involved because people may come closer to the fireplace to get s’mores or anything else. In situations like that, make sure anyone going closer to the fireplace has their sleeves rolled up and hair tied back. Even then, keep a distance of 2-3 feet from a gas fireplace and a distance of 3-4 feet from a wood-burning fireplace to stay safe. Never forget your children. Make sure they are 3-10 feet away from the fire.

Don’t Leave The Fire Unattended

There are two situations of leaving a fire attended. One is where the outdoor fireplace is glowing in its intensity and the homeowners or everyone goes inside the house leaving no one to monitor the fire. It’s highly dangerous, but this situation is rare as most people know that they need one person outside if the outdoor fireplace is on.

The second situation is tricky. It’s when the homeowner turns off the wood-burning outdoor fireplace and there’s nothing but embers. They consider it a job well done and go inside the house. This can cause a fire and it has been one of the major causes of wildfires in the US.

Therefore, when you see that there is no fire but embers, don’t think that the fire is extinguished. Before going in, pour water on live embers, and even then, turn the logs to ensure that none is mildly burning.

Overhead Clearance

If your outdoor fireplace is installed by an expert, they had already taken care of this and built it where there is enough overhead clearance. However, you need to keep this rule in mind in case you want to renovate your outdoor space.

For example, if you install a pergola, make sure it doesn’t cover the outdoor fireplace. If it does cover the fireplace, there is enough clearance between the fire and the pergola roof. A natural gas or propane fireplace is considered better for outdoor fireplaces that are under pergolas or any kind of roof.

Similarly, take care of the overhead clearance and distance of the fire from other items when installing lights and planting trees. For the trees that are already grown in your yard, keep a distance of 12-20 feet between the tree branches and the fire.

Consider The Safety Of Your Outdoor Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplaces are better because they burn cleaner than wood-burning fireplaces. However, their safety should be considered as well. Before starting the fire, check the burner to ensure it’s not clogged.

Furthermore, cover the fireplace when not in use so rain can’t damage the ceramic logs in your gas fireplace. Covering the fireplace will also ensure that insects, spiders, and debris doesn’t enter the burner leading to a clog. Also, don’t cook on a gas-fueled fireplace because the drippings from the food can also clog the burners.

Even if you cover the fireplace, make sure to clean it as per the recommendations of the manufacturer. Lastly, turn off the gas when the fireplace is not in use.

Conclusion

Having an outdoor fireplace is a treat, but you must ensure your safety and follow the above-mentioned tips. Make safety a priority right from the planning process of the fireplace so your outdoor fireplace builder Long Island ensures it too.