Fire pits are a fun and functional tool for outdoor recreation, but like anything involving an open flame, there's always a risk. Whether indoors or outdoors, certain precautions should be taken when handling and maintaining fire pits so everyone stays safe while having a good time. This is especially true when children are around. Accidents happen, and the best thing to do is be prepared.



Wood burning fire pits are the most authentic type for a true outdoors, camping type experience. They're also often the hardest to control, and for this reason there should be basic steps taken to assure safety. The most rudimentary handmade fire pits should consist of a dirt circle surrounded by a stone fence. Models you can buy are more varied in design, some with chimneys. In any case, attention is key when burning wood. Do not leave open fires unattended for any amount of time.

When finding the right spot to put your pit, there are several factors to consider. If you're at home, do not place fire pits on wooden decks or patios. Keep them on stone masonry or concrete floors whenever possible. In any environment, make sure fire pits are away from low-lying branches, eaves and overhangs. If you encounter a particularly windy day you might just want to pack it in and enjoy your fire pit another day.

Also, be sure to clear away any dry leaves, twigs and other vegetation in the area in the event of flying sparks catching them on fire. Whenever possible, use a spark screen, especially with young wood and saplings, whose logs tend to crackle more the greener they are.

Igniting a fire is where a lot of people run into danger. The most natural and safest way to start a fire is by using an organic fire starter (dry lint works especially well), then using kindling and tinder to build up the fire so it's easier to control. If you insist on using an accelerant of any kind always keep in mind the adage ?less is more.? You can always add more later if needed, but your eyebrows won't grow back so quickly if you start with too much. Many recent models of fire pits run on propane or natural gas so they require less constant attention, and many of these also come with built in safety shut-off mechanisms and pilot lights.

Smoke with wood burning fire pits is unfortunately an avoidable part of the process. Though difficult to control, try to keep away from the direction in which the smoke is blowing for obvious reasons. Smoke is carcinogenic and is especially harmful to individuals with respiratory ailments. Some models do actually come with a wind break which helps to control the amount of and direction in which smoke goes.

As with any open flame scenario, keep a fire extinguisher nearby. If you do not own one or are out in the woods, a bucket of water will do. Ideally, anything with a spray type nozzle works best so you can aim and concentrate water where needed. Whatever you use, keep it nearby. Along that same vein, keep any flammable substances like kerosene and aerosol cans far away from heat. And lastly, do not stack firewood too high as it is likely to topple over as it burns. A teepee or log cabin configuration is proven to be especially sturdy when arranging logs.

Pokers and other tools are especially handy when dealing with fire pits. Log pokers are good for moving and rearranging logs that may have fallen or are precariously positioned. Other tools, including shovels and brushes, are more useful when cleaning up afterwards and do not necessarily help much as far as safety measures.

When you're finished enjoying the warm glow of the fire, caution must once again be exhibited when breaking everything down. Never ever move fire pits or logs that are still burning, glowing from embers, or have not fully cooled down. Not only do you risk burning yourself, but in the case of standing fire pits, the unit could fall over and catch something else on fire.