How To Safely Use & Store Your Fire Pit

Since the beginning of time, people have had deep connections to fire to cook food, practice rituals, and spend time with their loved ones.

We're doing the same to this day - only now we don't need to rub two sticks together to get the fire going! 

One of the best ways to bring the warmth and magic of fire to your life is a fire pit. It's a fantastic addition to any garden or backyard, perfect for family and friends gatherings, romantic evenings with a glass of bubbly or peaceful weekends with a book charge to rest and recharge. 

Most fire pits, especially our corten steel fire pits, are easy to install and safe to use if you follow a few simple guidelines. 

So today, we're talking about everything about safely using and storing your fire pit.

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Distance From The House 

It may not seem too dangerous to use your fire pit closer to the house, but have in mind such factors as the wind that can change direction and cause trouble in a split second. 

That's why you should not place your fire pit closer than 8-10 metres from your house or cabin, but it's best to check your local regulations for specific requirements.

Also, consider the typical wind patterns in your yard before choosing the spot because otherwise, the wind may blow the smoke towards the house and indoors through open doors and windows. You can find such information about your area's current wind patterns online.

Trees And Bushes

If you're using your fire pit in a wooded area like your garden or backyard or taking your Campit Fire Pit to a campsite, you need to be mindful of the branches and leaves. 

Keep at least a 3-4 metre distance from trees and bushes, or trim the branches if you plan to have a permanent fire pit spot in your own garden. This will help minimise the risk of fire and give you peace of mind. 

Covered Areas 

If you're planning to use your fire pit on a patio, gazebo, pergola, etc., consider that it generates quite a lot of heat, smoke, and even sparks that may damage the structure and increase fire risk. 

Keep in mind how high or low is your overhead when deciding whether it's safe to use the fire pit in such a spot. If the structure is pretty high, the risk is much lower, but heat and smoke may impact the building's integrity and safety if the overhead is low.

Because smoke needs a lot of room to move, you may want to consider placing your fire pit near your outdoor structure, e.g. next to the pergola or patio, if it's smaller and less spacious. 

Wooden Decks

Who doesn't enjoy a lovely fire pit party on a deck? Yes, it is possible, but take safety measures to keep the structure intact and yourself calm and safe! 

We recommend always using a barrier between your wooden or composite deck and your fire pit to prevent damage. You don't need to go overboard and purchase anything too expensive because a steel heat shield or a fire pit pad from your local store will work perfectly fine. 

Besides that, make sure you clean your deck properly and remove any flammable objects like leaves, needles, furniture etc., to prevent unexpected accidents. 

The same recommendations go for wood and composite terraces and balconies.

Plain Grass

You can use a fire pit on a level terrain grass, but make sure to clean the area of branches, dried grass, leaves and other potential fire hazards.

If you're planning an extended period of use, you still may want a temporary barrier between your fire pit and the grass surface.

The steel heat shield or fire pad mentioned above are good options here, too, as they protect the grass and keep the fire pit off the ground, which allows airflow and doesn't create imprints on the grass.

Another essential thing to remember is to apply some water on the grass where you plan to put the fire pit and around. This will protect the area from the heat radiating from your fire pit. You don't need to pour a whole bucket, though, as a little bit will go a long way.

Where To Store The Fire Pit

When not in use, it's best to store your fire pit in a dry, sheltered location like a garage or a garden shed. You can cover it to protect it from dust.

However, if you're using a corten steel fire pit, you can also leave it outside because it is very durable and does not need protection from the elements. 

You may want to cover it to prevent any residue from entering the fire pit (leaves, pine needles, etc.) and wood from getting damp.

Final Tips 

Always check your local regulations and laws before using your fire pit. Different areas will have different regulations, so that's also very important when travelling and camping. 

Knowing where you can put your fire pits will help protect the environment from fires and yourself from fines.

A few important things to keep in mind:

• Never leave your fire pit unattended or with unsupervised small children and pets, as it may take only a split second for an accident to happen. 
• If you're having a social gathering, always have a designated person to watch and operate the fire pit. This means being alert and having a plan in case something goes wrong.
• Always have a water bucket, a fire extinguisher or a water hose nearby in case you need to put out the fire. 
• Don't use lighter fluid, gasoline, or other petroleum-based fuel to start a fire in a wood-burning fire pit. 
• Be careful about adding or repositioning wood logs in the fire pit. Use grabbers or fireproof gloves. 
• Always extinguish the fire pit at the end of the day or after you're done using it. Even the smallest embers can cause significant damage.