Firepits are a source of comfort and entertainment for many, especially during the summer and fall seasons. To keep your firepit in tip-top shape, it’s important to follow some of the maintenance and safety tips below to ensure your firepit lasts for years to come.

• Be mindful of your surroundings. Only use your firepit when you are home and can keep watch on it and in an open, outdoor space for maximum safety. Don’t place your firepit under trees or near anything flammable.

• Do not use accelerants to get the fire started. This is not only dangerous and can harm your firepit, but many accelerants can be toxic if breathed in.

• Don’t burn trash or plastic. Doing so not only goes against local fire codes but also can release toxins in the air that can be harmful to you and your family, as well as the environment.

• Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher close by at all times in case the fire burns out of control.

• Cover your fire pit when you aren’t using it. Allow it to cool off completely before placing the cover on it to prevent burns and unnecessary wear and tear on your firepit.
• Never leave a fire pit unattended and always ensure that children are supervised and kept a safe distance from the firepit at all times.

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaning agents to clean your firepit. Using unapproved or harsh chemicals may not only damage the firepit but could also pose a safety risk. Most of the time, using a soft cloth and mild, soapy water is enough to clean it, as long as it is done regularly.

• Only use dry wood to fuel the fire. Avoid pressure-treated or painted wood as this could prove to be incredibly combustible or release toxins and chemicals in the air that are harmful to you and your family’s health as well as the environment.

• Opt for natural fire starters and kindling such as dry pine needles, leaves, and twigs to get the fire started.

• Allow the fire to burn out naturally whenever possible. When you add cold water to a burning fire, the extreme temperature change has the potential to crack and weaken the structural integrity of the fireplace, which could be expensive to repair, not to mention dangerous! Using sand or dirt is a good option if you’re in a hurry to put the fire out, as this shouldn’t damage your firepit.

• Allow the remaining ashes to cool down overnight. Once the ash is cool, compost it, or place it in a metal bucket to avoid it scattering around and potentially starting another fire.

To learn more about maintaining your firepit or for additional safety tips, click here!