How Far Should A Fire Pit Be From A House?

The placement of your fire pit relative to your home is not just a matter of convenience or aesthetics—it’s a critical safety consideration that must be addressed to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of everyone involved. The consensus among safety guidelines is clear: maintaining a safe distance between your fire pit and your house, as well as other structures and flammable materials, is essential.

We created this article to guide our customers on why adhering to safety distances and guidelines is crucial for fire pit usage. We’ll explore local regulations that might affect how you set up your backyard oasis, discuss the various types of fire pits and their installation considerations, and provide practical advice on choosing fuels, starting your fire safely, and maintaining safety during use.

Safety Regulations and Guidelines For Fire Pits

Adhering to safety regulations and guidelines is the foundation of enjoying your fire pit without risking harm to your home, your loved ones, or your neighborhood. While the allure of a crackling fire is undeniable, understanding and following these safety standards are crucial for anyone looking to add a fire pit to their outdoor space.

Understanding Local Regulations

Before lighting your first fire, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local regulations governing fire pit usage in your area. Municipalities often have specific rules regarding the placement of fire pits, the types of fire pits allowed, and the conditions under which they can be used.

These regulations are in place to prevent fires from spreading and to minimize health hazards from smoke, especially in urban areas where homes are closely packed together. Checking with your local fire department or municipal website can provide you with the guidelines specific to your area, including any restrictions on burn days due to air quality concerns.

Safe Distance from Structures

A critical aspect of fire pit safety is ensuring it is placed at a safe distance from your house and other structures. This includes sheds, fences, vegetation, and anything else that could potentially catch fire.

While the recommended distance may vary, a minimum of 10 feet is a commonly cited guideline to provide a safety buffer between the heat source and potentially flammable objects. This distance helps in preventing accidental fires that could arise from sparks or embers.

Overhead Clearance

Another key consideration is the clearance above the fire pit. Overhanging branches, power lines, or any other overhead obstructions pose a significant fire risk.

Ensuring there is enough vertical space — typically 20 to 25 feet — above the fire pit will help prevent heat damage and the ignition of overhead materials. This consideration is particularly important in densely vegetated areas, where tree branches can easily catch fire from rising embers.

Property Line Considerations

Respecting property lines is also essential when determining where to place your fire pit. Some localities enforce specific distances from property boundaries to prevent the fire from affecting neighboring properties. This not only reduces the risk of fire spreading but also minimizes smoke nuisance to your neighbors.

Installation Surface

Finally, the surface on which your fire pit is installed plays a significant role in safety. Fire pits should be placed on non-flammable surfaces such as concrete, stone, gravel, or brick to prevent the fire from spreading to the ground or nearby vegetation. If you’re using a portable fire pit on a grassy area or wood deck, protective barriers or fire-resistant mats are recommended to shield the surface from heat damage.

Types of Fire Pits and Installation Considerations

When considering the addition of a fire pit to your outdoor space, it’s important to understand the different types available and the specific installation considerations that come with each. The type of fire pit you choose will not only affect the ambiance and functionality of your outdoor area but also how you need to approach safety and compliance with local guidelines.

Portable Fire Pits

Portable fire pits offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to move your fire source for different events or seasons. These can range from metal bowls to more elaborate designs but generally require careful placement on non-flammable surfaces. Despite their portability, it’s crucial to position these away from structures and overhead hazards just as you would a permanent fixture.

Built-In Fire Pits

Built-in or permanent fire pits can be constructed from a variety of materials such as brick, stone, or concrete and are designed to blend seamlessly with your outdoor décor. These require more planning and adherence to safety regulations due to their fixed location. Ensuring a safe distance from structures and proper installation on a non-combustible base is key.

Gas Fire Pits

Gas fire pits provide a clean-burning alternative to wood, using propane or natural gas as fuel. These units can be built-in or portable and often feature decorative elements like glass or ceramic logs. Installation considerations include access to a gas line for built-in models and ensuring proper ventilation to avoid gas accumulation.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

The traditional choice, wood-burning fire pits, evoke the classic campfire experience with their crackling sounds and smoky aroma. These pits require a steady supply of dry, seasoned wood and should be located where smoke won’t be a nuisance to you or your neighbors. Ensuring that the pit has a spark screen can also help in reducing the spread of embers.

Installation Considerations

Regardless of the type, all fire pits require thoughtful placement and installation to ensure safety and enjoyment. Here are some universal considerations:

• Non-Combustible Base: Always place or build your fire pit on a non-combustible surface such as stone, gravel, or concrete to prevent heat transfer that could ignite nearby materials.
• Wind Direction: Consider prevailing wind patterns in your yard to minimize smoke and fire risk to structures and people.
• Accessibility: Ensure that the fire pit is easily accessible for adding fuel and maintenance while keeping a safe distance from foot traffic to prevent accidents.
• Emergency Preparations: Have a plan for extinguishing the fire quickly if needed, including easy access to water, a fire extinguisher, or sand.

Fuel Types and Safely Lighting the Fire Pit

Choosing the right fuel for your fire pit and knowing how to start a fire safely are key components of fire pit enjoyment and safety. Different types of fire pits require different fuels, and the method you use to ignite your fire can significantly impact safety and enjoyment. Here’s a guide to help you navigate fuel types and fire-starting techniques:

Fuel Types

The type of fuel you’ll use depends largely on the type of fire pit you have:

• Wood: The traditional choice for outdoor fire pits, providing a natural ambiance and the classic crackling sound.
  • Use seasoned hardwood that has been dried for at least six months.
  • Avoid green or freshly cut wood, as it produces excessive smoke and can be difficult to burn.
• Propane/Gas: Offers convenience and cleanliness, with no need for constant feeding or ash cleanup.
  • Use only the fuel type specified by your fire pit’s manufacturer.
  • Ensure all connections are secure to prevent leaks.
• Gel Fuel: Provides a clean-burning option for tabletop fire pits and certain outdoor models.
  • Follow manufacturer guidelines for the specific type of gel fuel recommended for your pit.
• Bioethanol: An eco-friendly fuel that burns cleanly without smoke, ideal for both indoor and outdoor fire pits.
  • Like gel fuel, use only the manufacturer-recommended type of bioethanol.

Starting a Fire Safely

When starting your fire, safety should always be your top priority. Here are some tips to light your fire pit safely, regardless of the fuel source:

• For Wood-Burning Fire Pits:
  • Clear the area of any debris or flammable materials.
  • Place tinder (small, easily ignitable materials) at the bottom, followed by kindling (small sticks), and finally your larger pieces of wood.
  • Light the tinder with a match or lighter. Avoid using flammable liquids like gasoline or lighter fluid, as they can cause dangerous flare-ups.
• For Gas Fire Pits:
  • Check all connections for leaks before igniting.
  • Open the gas valve and use a long lighter to ignite the burner. Some models come with an ignition switch for added convenience.
• For Gel and Bioethanol Fire Pits:
  • Fill the fuel reservoir according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Light the fuel with a long match or lighter, keeping your face and clothing away from the fire as it ignites.

Safety Tips

• Always have a bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the fire pit.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Ensure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area.

Safety Precautions During Use

Ensuring safety while enjoying your fire pit involves more than just careful setup and lighting; it extends into how you manage and interact with the fire during use. Following these precautions can help prevent accidents and ensure that everyone can enjoy the fire pit safely and responsibly.

• Maintain a Safe Distance: Ensure all seating is placed far enough away from the fire pit to avoid sparks or heat affecting guests. A safe rule of thumb is to keep chairs and other furniture at least 3 feet away for gas fires and 6 feet away for wood fires.
• Supervise Children and Pets: Curiosity can lead to close encounters with the fire. Always supervise children and pets when the fire pit is in use, teaching children about fire safety and keeping pets on leashes if they are known to roam.
• Monitor Wind Conditions: Wind can cause sparks and embers to travel. If the wind picks up, be prepared to extinguish the fire to prevent any risk of it spreading.
• Avoid Overloading: For wood-burning fire pits, avoid piling wood too high. Keeping the fire manageable ensures that it remains contained within the pit and is easier to extinguish.
• Dress Appropriately: Avoid wearing loose or flammable clothing around the fire pit. Fabrics that can easily catch fire or melt, like nylon, should be avoided.
• Never Leave the Fire Unattended: Even a seemingly calm fire can quickly become hazardous. Ensure someone is always monitoring the fire, and never leave it burning unattended.
• Alcohol Consumption: Be mindful of alcohol consumption around the fire. Alcohol can impair judgment and reflexes, increasing the risk of accidents. Encourage guests to drink responsibly.
• Keep Fire Extinguishing Materials Handy: Always have a bucket of water, sand, a garden hose, or a fire extinguisher within easy reach in case you need to put out the fire quickly.
• Be Prepared for Emergencies: Familiarize yourself with how to use a fire extinguisher (remembering the PASS technique—Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) and have a first aid kit nearby. Knowing what to do in case of burns or other injuries can significantly impact the outcome of any accidents.

How to Safely Extinguish a Fire Pit

Safely extinguishing your fire pit is as crucial as safely starting it, ensuring that the fire is completely out and poses no risk of reigniting. Here’s how to extinguish different types of fire pits properly:

Wood-Burning Fire Pits

• Let the Wood Burn Down: Allow the fire to burn down to ash as much as possible. This process can be accelerated by spreading out the remaining wood and embers.
• Douse with Water: Carefully pour water over the ashes to cool all embers. Be cautious of hot steam and gently stir the ashes to ensure all embers are extinguished.
• Check for Hot Spots: Feel around the fire pit (without directly touching the ashes) for any areas of heat that may indicate lingering embers. If any are found, apply more water and stir until you’re confident the fire is out.
• Dispose of Ashes Safely: Once the ashes have cooled completely, typically the following day, safely dispose of them in a metal container to prevent accidental fires.

Gas Fire Pits

• Turn Off Gas Supply: The first step in extinguishing a gas fire pit is to turn off the gas supply. This will stop the fuel flow to the fire, beginning the extinguishing process.
• Allow to Cool: After the gas is turned off, allow the fire pit to cool completely before covering or moving it. This prevents heat damage to any covers and reduces the risk of burns.

Gel Fuel and Bioethanol Fire Pits

• Smother the Fire: These types of fire pits usually come with a tool or cover designed to smother the fire by depriving it of oxygen. Carefully place the cover over the fire to extinguish it.
• Let it Cool: Allow the fire pit to cool completely before handling or moving it.

General Safety Tips

• Never Leave a Fire Pit to Extinguish on Its Own: Unattended fires can reignite or spread, especially if a sudden gust of wind stirs up embers.
• Avoid Using Water on Gel Fuel or Bioethanol Fire Pits: Water can spread the fuel, making the fire worse. Use the recommended extinguishing method provided by the manufacturer.
• Keep Extinguishing Materials Handy: Whether you’re using a wood-burning, gas, gel fuel, or bioethanol fire pit, always have extinguishing materials close by, such as a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand, for emergency use.
• Check Local Regulations: Some areas have specific disposal requirements for fire pit ashes or guidelines for extinguishing fires. Always follow these to ensure compliance and safety.

Final Thoughts

Embracing the warmth and ambiance of a fire pit in your outdoor space is a delightful way to enhance gatherings, extend the enjoyment of your backyard into cooler months, and create lasting memories with friends and family. However, the beauty and comfort of a fire pit come with a responsibility to prioritize safety for yourself, your loved ones, and your property.

From understanding and adhering to local regulations, maintaining a safe distance from structures, selecting the appropriate fuel type, to safely lighting and extinguishing the fire, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe fire pit experience.

Remember, the foundation of fire pit safety is preparation and vigilance. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can minimize the risk of accidents and focus on the joy that a fire pit can bring to your outdoor gatherings. Always stay informed about the latest safety practices and local regulations, as these can change and may vary depending on your location.