How to enjoy your outdoor fire pit responsibly — and keep everyone around it safe.

A fire pit is one of the most popular outdoor additions a homeowner can make. Whether it's a built-in gas fire pit on a patio, a wood-burning bowl in the backyard, or a portable propane unit for camping-style evenings, fire pits bring people together and extend the enjoyment of outdoor spaces well into cooler evenings.

But a fire pit is still an open flame — and with that comes real responsibility. Every year, fire pits are involved in thousands of injuries, property damage incidents, and wildfires, the vast majority of which were preventable. The good news: staying safe is straightforward when you follow the right guidelines. Here's everything you need to know.

1.  Choose the Right Location

Where you place your fire pit is one of the most important safety decisions you'll make. A poorly chosen location can put your home, your landscaping, and your neighbors at risk.

Follow these placement guidelines:

Keep the fire pit at least 10 feet away from your home, fences, overhangs, and any other structures.

Never place a fire pit under a covered patio, pergola, deck, or tree canopy — even if the covering is non-combustible.

Choose a flat, stable surface. Fire pits should never be placed on a sloped surface where they could tip.

Avoid placing fire pits on wooden decks. Even 'heat-resistant' deck materials can be compromised by sustained radiant heat.

Check local ordinances — many municipalities have specific rules about fire pit placement, size, and use.

2.  Use the Right Fuel

What you burn in your fire pit matters as much as where you place it. Burning the wrong materials creates excessive sparks, produces toxic smoke, and can result in unpredictable, dangerous flare-ups.

For wood-burning fire pits:

Burn only dry, seasoned hardwood such as oak, hickory, or maple. Seasoned wood produces less smoke, fewer sparks, and burns more steadily.

Never burn green or wet wood — it produces excessive smoke and creosote-like buildup on the fire pit walls.

Never burn treated lumber, plywood, particleboard, painted wood, or any wood that may have been chemically treated. These release toxic fumes.

Never burn trash, cardboard, leaves, or yard debris. These create unpredictable flames and ember showers.

For gas fire pits:

Only use the fuel type (natural gas or propane) specified by the manufacturer.

Inspect connections and hoses regularly for cracks, wear, or leaks. If you smell gas, do not light the fire pit — address the leak first.

3.  Keep a Safe Perimeter

The area around your fire pit should be as carefully managed as the fire itself. Establish a clear safety zone and communicate it to everyone around the fire — especially children and pets.

Keep a minimum 3-foot clear zone around the fire pit free of chairs, tables, blankets, and any other flammable items.

Never leave children or pets unattended near a fire pit, even when the fire appears to be dying down. Embers retain dangerous heat long after flames are gone.

Assign a responsible adult to supervise the fire at all times. If the designated person needs to step away, the fire should be extinguished first.

Keep a bucket of sand, a garden hose, or a fire extinguisher within reach at all times.

4.  Be Aware of Wind and Weather

Weather conditions have a significant impact on fire pit safety. Wind is the most common factor in fire pit accidents — it can carry sparks and embers significant distances, igniting dry grass, landscaping, furniture, or structures nearby.

Do not use a fire pit on windy days. A good general rule: if the wind is strong enough to noticeably sway tree branches, postpone the fire.

Avoid fire pits during drought conditions or when fire danger ratings in your area are elevated.

Keep a spark screen or mesh cover on wood-burning fire pits whenever possible — it significantly reduces the distance embers can travel.

Never use a fire pit during a burn ban. Check your local fire authority's website or app for current restrictions.

5.  Never Use Accelerants

One of the most common causes of serious fire pit injuries is the use of accelerants — gasoline, lighter fluid, kerosene, or alcohol — to start or revive a fire. Accelerants are extremely dangerous in an open fire setting.

Even a small amount of accelerant can cause a sudden, explosive flare-up that extends well beyond the fire pit. Vapors from accelerants can travel across a surface and ignite at a distance, engulfing the user before they can react.

Use a long-handled lighter, fire starters, or dry kindling to light your fire pit. If the fire is struggling, add more kindling and small pieces of dry wood — never accelerants.

6.  Extinguish Completely — Every Time

Fires that appear to be out often aren't. Embers buried under ash can remain hot enough to reignite for hours after the visible flame is gone. Properly extinguishing your fire pit every time — not just when it 'looks out' — is non-negotiable.

How to properly extinguish a wood-burning fire pit:

Allow the wood to burn down to ash as much as possible before extinguishing.

Spread the embers out across the fire pit to expose more surface area.

Slowly pour water over the embers, stirring as you go. Listen for hissing — continue until it stops completely.

Touch the ash and embers with the back of your hand to verify there is no remaining heat before leaving.

Never leave a fire pit unattended until it is completely cold.

7.  Maintain Your Fire Pit Regularly

A well-maintained fire pit is a safer fire pit. Regular cleaning and inspection prevents the buildup of ash, debris, and rust that can affect performance and safety.

Remove ash and debris after each use, once the fire pit is completely cool. Ash buildup can restrict airflow and cause uneven burning.

Inspect the fire pit bowl, legs, and grate regularly for cracks, rust, or structural damage. A compromised fire pit should be repaired or replaced before use.

For gas fire pits, have the burner, connections, and ignition system inspected annually by a qualified professional.

Cover your fire pit when not in use to protect it from moisture and debris.

A fire pit is a wonderful addition to any outdoor space — and with the right habits, it's one you can enjoy safely for years to come. Take the time to set it up correctly, follow the guidelines every time you light it, and always extinguish it completely before calling it a night.

Thinking about adding a fire pit to your outdoor space, or looking to upgrade your current setup? Our team can help you choose the right option for your home and ensure it's installed safely and correctly. Contact us today.