Bonfire Safety During Fall

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Bonfires during the fall season can be so fun and a great way to bond with your friends and family. Sitting by the campfire can make for a time to tell scary stories, play games, share secrets, and create fun memories. Smelling the campfire and roasting marshmallows makes for great fun and a new adventure. While hanging out by a campfire is a fun activity, it can be easy to forget about the risk factors associated with having a bonfire.

Bonfire Safety tips:

Make sure to check the weather if you are planning to have a bonfire, if it is overly windy, you may want to reschedule for a clear day. Wind can make it hard to light the fire and it could also blow sparks around the surrounding bushes or trees. In addition, always check the direction of the wind before you start the fire. If you have a portable fire pit, you could move it to an area where there is a windbreak.

Store your firewood in a safe place. If you want to keep your fire pit going for a long time, you will have to keep feeding it firewood. Make sure that it is stored in a safe place away from the fire pit. Feed the fire pit at your place.

Build your fire out in the open, to ensure no chance of surrounding areas catching fire. You should never light a fire underneath a building or beneath trees. Make sure to keep the immediate area around the fire pit clear of any flammable objects as well.

Never leave your fire unattended. Even if a fire has weakened significantly or died down, it is still a hazard to leave it unattended. Even if you are going in for a quick bathroom break or to grab a drink, do not leave the fire alone under any circumstances. While small flames may appear to be harmless, they are still considered a threat to safety when left alone. Pour water over live embers, and make sure that all logs have fully stopped burning before you stop lighting them.

Keep chairs far away from the fire. Of course, most know to be careful around a fire, but sometimes when wanting to bundle up or make a s'more, a person can be closer than recommended. When you sit too close to a bonfire, the flames can touch your clothing, hair, or other flammable materials. Make sure that your sleeves are rolled up and your hair is tied back when you are tending to the fire, especially when roasting marshmallows or other foods.

Drink responsibly around a fire. While alcohol is flammable, overindulgence is also never a good idea, especially by fire. If you or your guests are planning to drink by a fire, do so in moderation and make sure that your judgment is never impaired.

Having a bonfire is so fun and a great way to make some fun fall memories. Make sure to follow these tips to stay safe during your bonfire, and have fun!