Leaving a fire pit burning overnight may sound like a harmless thing to do, but there are some dangers that come with it. In this post, we’ll discuss the risks of leaving a fire pit burning and how you can stay safe.
We’ll also cover some tips for extinguishing a fire pit properly. So, if you’re thinking about leaving your fire pit on overnight, be sure to read this post first!
Can You Leave a Fire Pit Burning Overnight?
No, you should not leave a fire pit burning overnight. In every jurisdiction within the United States, it is illegal to leave a recreational fire unattended.
There are several dangers that come with leaving a fire pit burning, including the risk of starting a house fire, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and the risk of wildlife being attracted to the fire.
The US Fire Administration estimates that fires can spread dramatically within as little as 30 seconds.
There are a few risks that come with leaving a fire pit burning overnight. One of the biggest dangers is the possibility of starting a house fire. If the fire is not extinguished properly, embers can easily float up and land on nearby combustible materials, such as a deck or porch.
In addition to the risk of starting a fire, leaving a fire pit burning overnight also poses the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in large quantities.
If there is not enough ventilation around the fire pit, the carbon monoxide can build up and become toxic.
Finally, leaving a fire pit burning overnight can also attract wildlife. Small animals may be drawn to the heat and light of the fire, and larger predators may be attracted to the smaller animals.
If you must leave your fire pit burning, be sure to extinguish it completely before going to bed.
How to Safely Extinguish a Fire Pit Fire
There are important steps to take when enjoying a backyard fire to ensure everyone’s safety at the end of the night. Here’s how to put out a backyard fire pit safely:
- Discontinue adding wood or other materials about 1 hour before the evening’s activities are going to end.
- Once flames are completely extinguished, carefully turn over any remaining wood to ensure burning has ceased.
- Carefully spread the ashes around in the firepit. This helps to reduce hot spots.
- Pour water on the ashes and wait for steam to dissipate.
- If preferred, sand can be used in place of water.
- Once extinguished, shovel all of the ashes into a metal trash can.
Taking the time to complete these simple steps will help ensure the safety of the homeowners and their personal property.
Some Simple Do’s and Don’ts for Fire Pit Safety
When it comes to fire pits, there are a few simple safety rules that everyone should follow in order to prevent accidents. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for fire pit safety:
Do:
- Keep your fire pit away from flammable materials like trees, bushes, and deck furniture.
- Make sure your fire pit is on a level surface to prevent tipping.
- Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.
- Always supervise your fire pit when it is in use.
Don’t:
- Do not leave your fire pit unattended while it is lit.
- Do not add accelerants to your fire pit. This can cause a dangerous and uncontrollable fire.
- Do not allow children or pets to play near the fire pit while it is lit.
By following these simple safety rules, you can enjoy your fire pit while keeping yourself and those around you safe.
Should You Let a Fire Pit Burn Out?
Yes, you should always let a fire pit burn out completely on its own.
You should never pour water on a fire pit, as this can cause the metal to warp and become dangerous. If you have a wood-burning fire pit, you can spread the ashes out and let them cool before disposing of them. If you have a gas fire pit, turn off the gas and let the fire die out on its own.
Conclusion
When you leave a fire pit burning overnight, there are several risks that come with it. First, there is the risk of the fire spreading. If the fire is not properly extinguished, it could easily spread to nearby buildings or trees. This could lead to a devastating fire that could cause property damage or even injuries.
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