Some of our favorite summer memories take place around a campfire. Roasting marshmallows, telling ghost stories and singing songs around a bonfire are beloved summer traditions. However, with stories of wildfires and burn bans playing constantly on the news, you may be hesitant to light up a fire. Is it safe to use a fire pit during this time of year? Read on to learn more.
Can I Use My Fire Pit During the Summer?
Rest assured, with a little weather awareness and some simple safety tips, you can still use your fire pit during the summer under the right conditions. Before you decide to start a fire, take the time to check the weather first. If you are facing any of these conditions, you might want to wait until later before you start the fire.
Burn Bans
Burn bans are a temporary burning prohibition for an area. These bans are typically decided by local government officials to protect the public as well as the environment. Burn bans can be issued because conditions put an area at risk for wildfires or to help improve poor air quality. Be sure to check that there are no burn bans in effect before you plan out a bonfire. Not only is it important to follow these bans for your own safety, but violating a burn ban can lead to fines that can cost $500 or more.
Drought
Even if an official burn ban has not been issued, it is still recommended to avoid using your fire pit if it has not rained in a long time. Drought can dry out all the surrounding plants providing plenty of kindling if a spark were to fly out of the fire pit. It’s better to wait for a bit of rain to fall first.
Wind
Another weather condition to be mindful of is wind. Burning a fire pit during a windy day can be dangerous as well as simply unpleasant. Wind can make it difficult to light a fire and can blow smoke into your face as the fire burns. The worst case scenario is that wind can blow embers and sparks into the air and there is a risk that they could start a fire if they land on a flammable surface like dry grass or fabric. It’s better to wait for a calm day before you start a bonfire. Ideally wind speeds should be under 10 mph.
If the weather conditions are right, there should be no problem having a bonfire during the summer months. No matter when you light a fire, it’s important to follow some specific safety procedures. For more information check out our blog article 14 Must-Know Backyard Fire Pit Safety Tips for your Next Fire.
In addition, there are a few specific safety considerations you must follow during the summer months.
9 Fire Pit Safety Tips for Summer
Tip #1 Always Keep Water On Hand
This tip is important year-round. Always keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby when burning a fire. This will allow you to act fast and quickly douse any sparks that escape the fire pit. This rule is even more important during the summer season when the heat leads to dry conditions that can cause a flare up to burn quickly. Take extra care to thoroughly extinguish a fire because coals can last longer during hot summer weather.
Tip #2 Use the Right Accessories
Another classic year-round tip is to make sure that you use the right accessories in addition to your fire pit. Place a spark screen over the flames to help contain any stray sparks or embers. Use fire pit tools with long handles (like a poker or tongs) to maneuver the firewood while keeping your hands a safe distance away from the flames.
Tip #3 Wait Until Nightfall
Summer days are filled with high temperatures, low humidity and shifting wind patterns. At dusk, the wind patterns are calmer and temperatures drop making it easier to control a fire. Plus, the warmth and glow of a fire is much more welcome on a cool summer night than during a hot day.
Tip #4 Keep Fireworks Away
Like campfires, fireworks are also a celebration staple for summer gatherings like the Fourth of July and music and town festivals. However, it is incredibly dangerous to have any flammable surfaces around fireworks. Make sure your campfire is completely extinguished before you break out the 4th of July sparklers.
Tip #5 Water the Plants Around the Fire Pit
Plants can be a source of fuel for fire, especially during a dry season. Before you start the fire, quickly water the plants surrounding the fire pit. Giving them a good soaking will make it tougher for them to catch on fire if a wayward spark should land on them.
Tip #6 Drink Responsibly
Having a few drinks around the fire is another popular summer activity. It is always important to drink responsibly, but it is critical when sitting near an open flame. Designate a few individuals to remain sober to properly monitor the fire, and drink in moderation to avoid accidentally tripping or stumbling into the fire.
Tip #7 Stay Away From Shade Structures
During sunny summer days, it’s natural to seek out shade like patio umbrellas or gazebos. Be sure to keep these structures at least 10 feet away from the fire. Never use a fire pit beneath one of these shade structures. A stray spark could easily land on the fabric and ignite.
Tip #8 Store Firewood Away from the Fire Pit
During hot weather, wood stacked outside can dry out faster than normal. With extra sun exposure and hot temperatures, wood can “preheat” reducing their ignition point and making it easier for them to ignite. Keep your log rack at least 10 ft away from the fire pit and covered to help reduce your chances of a log igniting.
Tip #9 Always Clean Cooking Grates
If you’re using a fire pit cooking grate to whip up a tasty meal during camping or the next barbecue, make sure to inspect it beforehand and clean it after every use. Leftover grease clinging to a cooking grate can lead to flare ups.
Just because summer comes with some more complicated weather conditions, doesn’t mean that you need to keep your fire pit extinguished until fall. By taking a little time and preparation, you can ensure that your fire pit is safe for all your favorite summer activities. For more information about fire pit safety and maintenance, check out our fire pit articles.
