Lighting bonfires is a popular summertime activity across the country. If your family will be participating in bonfire parties this summer, make sure you know how to do so safely. Here are some tips for staying safe around your bonfire this summer.
Choose Your Location Wisely
Many fans of summertime campfires have fire pits set up on their properties. Fire pits help keep bonfires contained, so it’s always wise to use a fire pit for your campfire or bonfire parties. Where you place your fire pit is incredibly important to the overall safety level of your fire. Never place your fire pit below trees, awnings, or building overhangs. You should also avoid placing it in areas with a lot of dry brush and debris present. Clear the area before placing your equipment to avoid stray sparks catching nearby leaves and sticks on fire.
Pay Attention to Weather Conditions
Some summer days feature better conditions for bonfires than others. Avoid lighting fires on overly dry, windy days, as these conditions could easily cause a fire to spread. Before lighting a campfire or bonfire, you should always check your local fire danger conditions. If your local weather station or website advises against lighting fires, postpone the bonfire part of your party. Some cities and towns have strict fire ordinances, and if local authorities catch you starting a campfire on a high-risk day, you could face a hefty fine.
Supervise the Fire and Nearby Guests
One of the biggest rules of fire safety is to never leave the campfire space unattended. When lighting a fire, you have the responsibility of watching it to make sure it doesn’t spread or cause harm. You should also watch those who are around the campfire; make sure small children and pets keep a safe distance. Before leaving the fire pit, always make sure you douse the coals with water or sand to ensure the fire is completely extinguished.
Keep Safety Equipment Nearby
Before lighting a bonfire, you should always make sure you have safety equipment on hand. You can’t have a successful bonfire without emergency safety materials. This includes items such as a fire extinguisher, a bucket of water or sand for putting out the fire, and a first aid kit that includes burn ointment. You likely won’t need these items if you follow the above safety guidelines, but it’s always important to have proper safety materials nearby, just in case.
Being prepared with these tips for staying safe around your fire pit will promote peace of mind during all your bonfires this summer. Now get out there and enjoy the summer weather with safe and successful bonfire parties this season.
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Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
