Fire Pit Tips And Safety

As the warmer weather rolls in, everyone is looking for an opportunity to spend some time outside. What better way to spend a comfortable summer night than roasting marshmallows by a crackling fire? Let’s look at some helpful tips to starting and keeping that fire ablaze. We’ll also make sure to share our best fire safety tips to keep you safe!

Fire starting 101

Fires are essentially made up of three types of material to keep it roaring:

• Tinder – dry bark, dry grass, leaves, shavings, etc. This will catch fire quickly since it’s small and dry, then transfer the burn to kindling.
• Kindling – small twigs and branches. This is the next step with a bit more sustained of a burn, which then will work to ignite the fuel wood.
• Fuel wood – larger wood at least the size of your forearm, coals, etc. This is what will keep your fire roaring throughout the night. Make sure to add more as you notice the fire starting to calm down.

Setting up your fire

There are two main methods to setting up a fire: teepee and log cabin. Both of these methods ensure there is enough air flow, so it often comes down to preference.

Starting your fire and keeping it roaring

Once you pick your preferred method of fire prep, there are three main components to keeping your fire roaring.

• Ensure there is always enough wood available – once the fire starts dwindling, don’t wait too long to drop another log on.
• Check for air flow – sometimes a big breath of air can reignite a dwindling fire.
• Don’t place wet wood on a burning fire – while it may stay lit, it won’t be as effective.

Safety Tips

Safety is key, especially when little kids are around. Sometimes we all need a few reminders when it comes to ensuring the safest fire environment. Below are a few of those but remember that this is not an exhaustive list of recommendations.

• No running around the fire and ensure there are no trip hazards.
• Do not use flammable liquids to start a fire. While this may seem like a great idea, it can get out of hand quickly, and may be releasing some gnarly chemicals to breathe in.
• Make sure you’re at least 10 feet from a building or structure.
• Watch out for overhanging branches, flags, porches, and other combustables.
• ALWAYS supervise children around a fire.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose around in case a spark ignites something around the fire.
• Consider checking warnings regarding fire safety – if it’s too dry, it may not be a great night for a fire.

Call Doodlebuggers

Doodlebuggers specializes in outdoor kitchen designs for homes throughout Pensacola and Destin. We also offer excellent service for waterproofing your chimney, routing cleaning and inspecting, or outdoor living space improvements. Doodlebuggers is the go-to expert in the area. Our technicians are not subcontractors; they’re valued team members, highly trained and certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fireplace Institute.

Reach an outdoor kitchen expert today at (850) 477-1151 in Pensacola, FL, or at (850) 243-0154 in the Destin, FL, area. You can also get in touch with our handy contact form.