How To Safely Use A Fireplace Outside
Having an outdoor fireplace can be as much of a joy as having a fireplace in your living room. While not as popular has having one indoors, in some parts of the country an outdoor fireplace is the “thing” to do. You can find them in every imaginable size, shape and style. Unfortunately, many people become so caught up in the excitement of choosing just the right outdoor fireplace they forget to remember it is indeed a fireplace and requires many of the same precautions as the one they have in the living room.
Whether you choose an outdoor fireplace with a chimney or you prefer to have a fire pit, you should take every possible safety precaution. To begin with, keep all combustibles away from the fire. The extra firewood and fire started should not be stored too closely. Having an open fire pit may be fun and remind you of camping in the woods. However, unless it is a raised pit, there is the danger of someone accidentally falling into it. Everyone who is going to be enjoying the open pit fire should be cautioned before the fire is lit. This is especially true if there are going to be children around.
An outdoor fireplace with a chimney not only gives you better airflow to your fire it also gives an added degree of protection for everyone enjoying the fire. If you have any kind of an outdoor fireplace, it’s important not to get so involved in entertaining that you forget to keep a close eye on the fireplace. It only takes a couple of sparks blown by the wind to set off a fire in your yard or home, or even in your neighbor’s yard or home. It would probably be best not to use your outdoor fireplace on a windy day. Whatever enjoyment you may get from it is simply not worth the risk.
Common sense is the key to safely using an outdoor fireplace. Keep the size of your fires within reasonable limits. While a large bonfire is lovely to look at, it can also be extremely dangerous. It is important not to overload your outdoor fireplace with wood when you first light it. Start your fires small to begin with. You can then add wood, a little at a time, to increase the size of the fire. Although it probably goes without saying, I’ll say it any way. Never start your fire in a strong or even a moderate wind. It only takes seconds for a fire to flare up and become suddenly out of control.
Be certain you have a fire extinguisher close at hand, or at least a garden hose, just in case of an emergency, and be certain everyone around the fire knows how to use the extinguisher. Your outdoor fireplace should never be left unattended. Someone should be watching it at all times. When the evening is over, make certain the fire has been completely extinguished.
A couple of final words of caution: Be certain your outdoor fireplace is kept away from all plants, trees and overhanging branches, which could catch fire. Outdoor fireplaces are only meant to be used outside. As with BBQ’s, never use an outside fireplace inside the house, as it can cause serious illness or even death.
