Firepits, chimneas and outdoor fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular in Britain. They can bring warmth and ambience to an evening outdoor party, where often its nice to sit around a burning fire and just chat.

There are many design and styles of firepit from a simple hole in the ground to specially designed fire bowls which can safely be used on wooden patios and decking.

But whatever the shape and size of firepit, it is vital to be very aware of outdoor firepit safety.

  1. The most important tip is to keep your fire small. There’s no need for a blazing bonfire, a big fire is much harder to control and so there is far greater potential for disaster. 

     

  2. Your fire pit should be at least 3 metres away from any structure or combustible surface, such as trees and fences. Before lighting, check the local weather forecast as windy conditions that can blow burning embers for significant distances. 

     

  3. Have a bucket or container of water close by or a garden hose on standby in case things do get out of control. 

     

  4. Avoid possible problems by picking up leaves and other combustible materials around the pit to prevent the fire from accidentally spreading. 

     

  5. DO NOT start the fire with petrol or other flammable liquid – it is HIGHLY DANGEROUS. Light a crumpled piece of newspaper or a store-bought fire lighter covered with a few small sticks to get a fire started. As it begins to burn, larger and larger sticks can be added until able to add a log or two. Alternatively you could use your Grenadier Electric Firelighter! 

     

  6. Do not leave a lit or glowing firepit unattended. When the party is over, extinguish the fire. The simplest way is to carefully spread the embers out over a larger surface area. Then when they have cooled down a bit, carefully pour water over them until all glowing is extinguished. 
  7. If your fire somehow does escape your fire pit and moves into nearby kindling, trees, fence or other combustible surface, immediately call the Fire Service.

Finally, remember a fire pit produces smoke which is a pollutant so be mindful and respect your neighbours’ environment, and be aware of any local by-laws and control legislation related to open fires.