If you are a fire pit owner or looking to buy one, make sure you understand your city or town’s regulations regarding their use. Some cities prohibit fire pit use completely and hefty fines may be imposed if you don’t follow the rules and regulations. Other areas have fire ordinances in place prohibiting use of fire pits on no-burn days or when it’s smoggy or windy.
There are a number of fire pits available on the market, but no matter which one you chose, we ask that you always place fire safety first. Below are a few tips on backyard fire pit safety:

Fire Pit Placement:

• Place your fire pit at least ten-feet from your house and three-feet away from any outdoor furniture.
• Avoid areas with low hanging trees where errant sparks and heat might ignite dry foliage and branches.
• Clear away brush and dead or dry vegetation in a 10’-20’ circle around your fire treatment.
• Be sure to store extra charcoal in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid to keep it dry; wet charcoal can spontaneously combust and start a fire.
• Fire pits are intended for outdoor use. Do not use these in tented areas, or in apartments, condos, etc.
• Always allow fire pit to cool before attempting to move it.

Starting Your Fire:

• Review and follow the manufacturer’s directions when using your fire pit.
• If using a liquid propane or natural gas fire pit be sure to check all hoses, valves and attachments to make sure there are no leaks or holes. Also, know how and where to shut of your propane or gas supply in case of an emergency.
• If your fire treatment runs on a pilot-light be sure to check it from time to time to make sure it hasn’t been blown out and that combustible gases aren’t filling your fire area.
• Start your fire small. You can always add to it to last longer, and it’s less dangerous.
• Don’t take any chances–if it’s windy out, delay building a fire until the weather is better suited.
• If using a wood fire pit, be sure not to stack the wood too high. Wood can roll out and increase risk of fire.
• Use a poker, safety gloves or log grabber to maintain a safe distance from fire.
• Instead of newspaper, use something like fire starters. They cut down on the smoke that comes from burning paper.
• Avoid using lighter fluids They can be unpredictable and dangerous; instead, use kindling and build your fire up slowly so that it is always under control and manageable.
• Use a spark screen, especially under dry conditions.
• Ensure children are aware of the dangers of matches, lighters and gasoline, and always keep these items out of reach. Also ensure they keep a safe distance from the fire pit at all times.
• Never leave a fire unattended. Fire pits should be adult-supervised at all times.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose with a spray nozzle nearby.

Extinguishing Your Fire:

• Make sure to extinguish the fire completely once you have finished using it.
• Use a fire extinguisher or water to cool coals or wood, however, hot steam may result from water – be sure to keep a safe distance. Continue to pour water until there’s no steam.
• Cover with a lid (if included with fire pit) after you have put the fire out.
• Give ample time for the fire pit to cool.
• Store coals in a non-flammable container such as a metal ash bucket instead.
• Spent ashes should be emptied onto bare garden soil - not into a garbage can or paper bag that can still ignite.

Bryan Burbidge
Fire Chief / CEMC
King Fire and Emergency Services

The month of June is Seniors’ Month, and as we raise awareness of senior safety issues, it is important that we consider fire safety.

Many seniors require extra time to escape a fire, and are more susceptible to injury or death. According to the Office of the Fire Marshal, statistics indicate that between 1997 and 2006 in Ontario, 95% of fatal structure fires occurred in residential structures, with 32% of those who died being 60 years of age or older.

Ensuring all smoke detectors are properly installed and maintained can help provide an early warning of fire and increase escape times. Furthermore, developing and practicing home fire escape plans will ensure that everyone is better prepared, and may even help to determine if modifying accommodations is necessary. For instance, if an elderly resident must climb down flights of stairs to escape, as opposed to being on the main level, it could impact their survival rate. Another vital component to home fire safety that can suppress and contain fires are residential sprinklers. When seconds count, these measures can make the difference between life and death.

We strongly encourage you to consider the needs of seniors in all fire safety and prevention strategies.

Charles Parsons
Leamington Fire Service Deputy Chief