Fire Pit and Fire Bowl Safety

One of the best parts of a Bridgeport summer is the ability to spend most of the night comfortably outdoors. The evenings, however, can still cool down, making a fire pit an inviting way to improve ambiance and warm up the night air a little. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also a perfect way to make sure that you can have s’mores even though you’re away from the campground!

To be sure, a lot can be said about the benefits of fire pits. But beware! Improperly used fire pits can cause fires that may spread and damage your home. So, we put together this list of tips to help you safely enjoy your summer nights around the fire.

Make Safety a Priority

Only use approved burning materials in your fire pit or fire bowl, whether it’s designed to burn wood or fire gel. Carefully follow the installation and usage instructions, and never place a fire bowl too close to the house or on a wooden deck.

Start Small

Until you understand how fire will behave in your pit or bowl, start with a small, easily-controlled fire.

Never Walk Away

Never leave a fire unattended. The wind can shift and send the fire toward your home. Kids and pets may be drawn to an unattended fire. Make sure everyone around the fire understands how to be safe.

Be Ready to Put the Fire Out

Never start a fire without having an adequate water supply (a hose, a bucket of water, or a fire extinguisher), in order to be able to put the fire out if needed.

Use the Cover or Screen

The cover or screen that comes with your fire pit or bowl is designed to minimize the amount of hot ash that escapes. It is important to use the screen, especially if your fire pit is near your house or near any shrubbery or grass that might catch fire.

Always Put Out the Fire

When you’re done for the night, you might be tempted to walk away from the embers, but always (always!) completely put out the fire when you’re done.