Fire Department Offers Outdoor Fire Safety Tips

NORTH READING- So you've broken out the grill and dragged the fire pit from the shed while trying to keep your foot in that new pair of rubbery flip flops. You don't really have a "fire-pit" area like the ones you see on HGTV, but the metal ring you bought at the improvement store should do just fine when it comes time to break out the marshmallows. Right? 

Not necessarily. The North Reading Fire Department doesn't require permits for outdoor fires, such as the ones you host in your backyard, but they do recommend you follow their fire safety tips when operating it.

Keeping the fire small and manageable is key to, frankly, keeping it manageable and preventing it from burning down your neighbor's Lilac. In fact, it is also recommended that you not place your fire pit near any combustible materials such as fences, bushes, sheds awnings. This includes the surface the pit is on-- it should be placed on a flat, even surface that is not wooden, which is relatively self-explanatory. 

Now if you have ever lit a closed grill, you know what happens when you combine flame with propane, and your hand. The fire "flashes" back at you and can leave severe burns, which is another reason why the fire department suggests that you use flame-proof gloves when lighting or cooking over the fire.

The fire department also recommends that you avoid using an accelerant such as propane, gasoline or diesel fuel because it may burn you, as mentioned above. It should also be monitored at all times to make sure the flame doesn't get out of hand.

If the fire department receives complaints because of your fire, due to its height or the amount of smoke it emits, you may be ordered to extinguish it. But hopefully, you will have practiced proper fire pit safety and can operate your fire pit like a pro.

For more information, contact the North Reading Fire Department at 978-664-6054

Photo courtesy of Olivia Henry