Be Safe Around The Bonfire With These Safety Tips.

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

Relaxing around a bonfire during a chilly fall night is one of the best ways to unwind. Whether you are in the comfort of your backyard or relaxing at a campsite, these safety tips can help keep you and your friends safe this fall. 

1. Choose the right location: First, find a level and open area to have your bonfire. There should be ten feet between the bonfire and structures or items that can catch fire. 
2. Use the right wood: Always burn seasoned hardwoods. Materials like plywood can release toxic fumes, while softwoods can spark and pop excessively. Only use woods that fit entirely in your fire pit and do not stick out. 
3. Don't use fuel accelerants: Never use firestarters, as they can release toxic fumes, start an explosion, or cause your fire to grow too rapidly. 
4. Check the weather and burn status: Wind can cause your fire to spread rapidly. If pollution levels are high, your local government can instate a burn ban to limit particulate matter and keep carbon dioxide levels down. Check both of these things before having a bonfire. 
5. Be smart around a fire: Avoid wearing flowy clothing or drinking excessively when around a fire. Always have an adult present if children are around the fire. 
6. Extinguish the fire correctly: Make sure the fire is completely out by drowning the fire in water and then mixing the ashes and embers with the soil. Scrape burned logs to ensure the hot embers are off of them. Then, stir the embers into the wet dirt to make sure everything is wet.