Everyone loves a good campfire, and fire pits recreate this ambient experience admirably. As a heat source, cooking tool and social gathering place, fire pits are fun and functional. But whenever dealing with an open flame, safety is paramount. Being prepared can be the difference between a good time and an unforeseen accident.
Starting Your FireWhen finding the right spot to put your pit, there are several factors to consider. If you�re in an urban or home setting, do not place fire pits onto wooden decks or patios. Rather, keep them on stone masonry or concrete floors whenever possible. In any case, make sure fire pits are away from low-lying branches, eaves and overhangs. Especially windy days are not good for fire pits, as embers may fly and the fire pit itself might take a tumble. Also, when setting up, be sure to clear away any dry leaves, twigs and other foliage in the area in the event of flying sparks catching them on fire. Whenever possible, use a spark screen, especially when handling young wood and saplings, whose logs tend to crackle more the greener they are.Sometimes fireplaces are just used as decorative devices and not as a device for giving off heat. Just the mere presence of a fireplace in a home lends a feeling of comfort and coziness. They come in a wide variety of designs and styles so there is something for every taste and decor. You can choose something that is really traditional or one that is really modern. There are ones that are even freestanding in the middle of a room.A fire screen is an important addition to any fireside, regardless of the type. From a decorative standpoint, it does help complete the overall look. They also provide the function of improving the efficiency of the heating. And, they are protective devices to keep pets and small children away from the heat.Outdoor fireplaces also come in different varieties. One, which is very common, is the chiminea. These types are used for small fires and are very mobile. There are ones for larger fires such as grated cylinders. Or there are also outdoor fireplaces that are permanent and these can be designed in many ways.DismantlingFire ExtinguishersWood PitsThere are lots of choices whether you are looking for an indoor or outdoor fire. The possibilities can vary in size, budget and style. Whatever look you want to achieve in either home or yard, you will have no trouble creating it.As with any open flame scenario, always, always keep a fire extinguisher nearby. If you do not own one or are out in the woods, a bucket of water will do in a pinch. Ideally, anything with a spray nozzle works best so that you may aim and concentrate water where it is needed. Whatever you use, keep it within sight. Along that same vein, keep any flammable substances like kerosene and aerosol cans far away from heat. Lastly, do not stack firewood formations too high as they are likely to topple over as the wood burns. A teepee or log cabin configuration is proven to be especially sturdy when arranging logs.Igniting a fire is where a most people run the risk of endangering themselves. The most natural and safest way to start a fire is by using a simple and homemade fire starter (dry lint placed into cardboard egg cartons works especially well), then by using kindling and tinder to build up the fire so that it is easier to control. If you insist on using an accelerant of any kind (like kerosene) always keep in mind the adage �less is more.� You can always add more later on as needed, but your eyebrows won�t grow back so quickly if you start with too much. Many recent models of fire pits run on propane or natural gas so they require less constant attention, and many of these also come with built in safety shut-off mechanisms and pilot lights as an added safety measure.How a fireplace is powered and does its job of heating also varies. Of course, you can go for the traditional one that burns wood. There is nothing like an open fire to make you feel warm and cozy. Alternatively, electric or gas fireplaces are much simpler when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.Tools
When you�re finished enjoying your fire pit, caution must still be exhibited when breaking everything down. Never ever move logs or fire pits that are still burning, glowing from embers, or have not fully cooled down to the touch. Not only do you risk burning yourself, but in the case of standing fire pits, the unit could fall over and catch something else on fire.
Author: Tonya Kerniva
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