What is it about warming yourself in front of an outdoor fire that makes it so satisfying? The primal urge that began as a survival tool for our ancestors has evolved into a trendy design element for modern-day homeowners who enjoy heating things up with fire pits and backyard fireplaces.
Unfortunately, fire remains difficult to tame. Faulty installation or carelessness could turn an outdoor attraction into a hazard that threatens people and property.
If you own a fire pit or outdoor fireplace or have one on your wish list for your next home, get familiar with a few safety tips. You also need to contact your insurance agent, since a standard homeowners policy may not cover fire pits.
Concentrate on placement and containment
Much as it does for real estate, location matters for the safe use of fire pits and backyard fireplaces. That means you should start by picking the right spot for your device, whether it's fueled by wood, propane or gel.
- The recommended safe distance from your house, garage or any other structure ranges from 10 feet to 25 feet; don't be afraid to err on the side of caution. If you're using professional installation, consult with the installer on placement.
- You should also keep safe distance in mind for portable fire bowls and the miniature chimneys called chimineas.
- Don't forget to look above and below. Overhanging tree limbs could create a fire hazard, as could using a portable fire bowl on a wooden deck. Patio surfaces should be made of fire-resistant materials.
Once you find the right place for the fire pit or outdoor fireplace, think about adopting some safety measures in the event that a fire gets out of control.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy. It also might be a good idea to have a sand bucket, a garden hose and a shovel nearby.
- For wood-burning fire pits, remember to fuel your fire the safe way. Recommended types of wood include hickory, oak, cedar and mesquite. Never burn treated lumber in your fire pit. The same goes for other potential sources of toxic fumes such as trash and rubber.
- Fire-safe landscaping can help keep a fire from spreading. Ask the fire department or landscaper about fire-resistant plants suitable for the local climate.
With a sound plan for placement and containment in place, you can decrease the chances of a fire escaping the confines of the pit and spreading.
Reduce your risk and enjoy a warmly pleasant diversion
When you think about home fire safety, it's important to include the potential hazards outside your home. The National Fire Protection Association blames outdoor fireplaces and fire pits for almost 3,700 grass and brush fires a year and nearly as many injuries.
Also, the most costly homeowners claims tend to involve fire and lightning damage. Using statistics from 2010-2014, the Insurance Information Institute has estimated the average homeowner loss for fire, lightning and debris removal at $39,791.
The idea of having a backyard fireplace or fire pit is to enjoy the combination of cool air and toasty flames, not to see a pleasant afternoon or evening turn into an emergency. Following some basic safety guidelines can help you reduce your risk.
Barry Bridges writes for NationwideInsurance.com and SafecoInsurance.com, providing fresh tips and advice on a range of financial topics to help homeowners and homebuyers make educated decisions about their insurance purchases.
