It is that time of the year when many homeowners will spend time outside enjoying their backyards and utilizing outdoor fireplaces. An outdoor fireplace is a fantastic addition to your yard, creating 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 from the property line and all combustibles, including your house, fence, and 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 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 dangerous materials such as plastic, rubber, or painted or treated wood.
- Do not burn waste such as leaves, grass, pallets, or garbage. These items should be disposed of properly.
- Always read the instructions and fully understand how to operate your outdoor fireplace.
- Do not wear loose-fitting clothing around your outdoor fireplace. Keep all hair secured and away from the flame.
- 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 are helpful. Our mission is to prevent injuries or unnecessary fires while providing a safe and enjoyable backyard experience.