It is that time of the year when many homeowners will be spending time outside enjoying their backyards and utilizing outdoor fireplaces. Outdoor fireplaces can be a fantastic addition to your yard, providing warmth and ambiance. But when you use your outdoor fireplace, you are playing with fire. Careless misuse could injure people, burn things you did not intend to burn or endanger others nearby. Here is a list of safety tips to make your outdoor fireplace an enjoyable experience:
- Never place your outdoor fireplace inside a structure
- Keep at least 15 feet away from overhead branches and all things green
- Keep your outdoor fireplace at least 10 feet away from the property line and all combustibles; your house, a fence, a deck
- Place your outdoor fireplace on a level, non-combustible brick, stone, or concrete surface
- Always use a mesh spark screen to cover the outdoor fireplace to prevent any stray embers
- When the fire is out, douse the ashes with water until all the ashes are cold
- Only burn dry seasoned wood
- Do not burn any dangerous materials, such as plastic, painted and treated wood, or rubber
- Do not burn waste such as leaves, grass, pallets, or garbage. Dispose of those items properly
- Always read the instructions and fully understand how to operate your outdoor fireplace
- Do not wear loose-fitting clothing around your outdoor fireplace, and keep all hair secured
- Do not use accelerants to start the fire. Use kindling to start your fire slowly
- Adult supervision is required at all times. Do not let kids play near the outdoor fireplace
The Riverside Fire Department hopes these safety tips will prevent injuries or unnecessary fires and provide a safe and enjoyable backyard experience.