17 Fire Pit Safety Tips You Must Know for a Safe 2025

On a winter evening, few things are more relaxing than sitting with loved ones around a wood-burning fire pit.

However, you know accidents related to fire pits happen frequently. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that in 2021 alone, over 6,200 people were injured by fire pits.

Young adults and children are specifically at risk, according to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Burn Care & Research.

For your assistance, we’ll cover over 17 important fire pit safety tips so you can enjoy your evening relaxed. Also for the best choices, see our guide to the best fire pits of 2025!

TL;DR

• Be up-to-date about your local fire rules and regulations.
• Fit your fire pit on a flat and, non-flammable surface. 
• An active fire can never be ignored, particularly if kids and pets are nearby.
• Don’t use gasoline or lighter fluid on a burning matter as an accelerator.
• For further details about appropriate use and warranty coverage, study the user handbook for your fire pit.
• Before using a fire pit, develop safety measures, like where the first aid items and fire extinguisher are kept, the critical services’ contact details, and your awareness of burn assessments and treatment.
• Do regular maintenance as well as frequently check your fire pit for damage.
• Avoid trip hazards by your fire pit, arrange proper lighting, and pay special attention to seating separation while you enjoy gatherings.

A Quick Reference Chart

Here’s a revised chart with brief warnings or reminders for each tip:

Tip	Key Point	Reminder
Regulations	Verify full compliance by reviewing the local building codes and rules concerning fires.	⚠️ Always verify local laws before setting up a fire pit.
Location	A fire pit should be positioned at least ten feet away from buildings on a smooth, even, and non-combust surface.	⚠️ Keep fire pits away from homes, trees, or flammable items.
Wood Burning Fires	Keep a fire extinguisher handy, use seasoned wood, and avoid leaving it unchecked.	⚠️ Never leave a wood fire burning without supervision.
Gas Fire Pits	Keep flammable substances far away, and read the manufacturer’s directions while checking for gas leaks.	⚠️ Inspect for gas leaks before every use.
Ethanol/Gel Fuel	To put out flames, use just the prescribed gasoline, refill when cool, and avoid water.	⚠️ Never refuel while the fire is still burning or hot.
User Manual	For optimal safe use and servicing, consult the product manual and abide by its instructions	⚠️ Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Maintenance	To enhance lifetime and security, clean, assess, and modify your fire pit regularly.	⚠️ Inspect for cracks or damage before each use.
Lighting	Use the methods mentioned for lighting safely; stay away from accelerating agents like gasoline.	⚠️ Never use gasoline or other accelerants to start a fire.
Extinguishing	Make sure the fire is entirely cooled by using water or a snuffer; never leave it unchecked.	⚠️ Make sure the fire is fully out before leaving or going to bed.
Accessories	Use spark screens, fire extinguishers, and covers for extra safety.	⚠️ Use a spark screen to prevent embers from spreading.
Emergency	Place your fire extinguisher and first aid equipment on hand, and be well prepared for any emergency.	⚠️ Spot a first aid kit and fire extinguisher at some nearby location.
Fuel	For clean and secure burning, select dry wood materials and use fuel according to manufacturer recommendations.	⚠️ Avoid wet or treated wood, which can produce toxic smoke.
Children/Pets	To avoid accidents establish an avoidable area while keeping a close eye on every aspect.	⚠️ Keep kids and pets at least 3 feet away from the fire pit.
Gatherings	Check to ensure there is appropriate seating, pay attention to the consumption of alcohol, and make an arrangement for enough lighting.	⚠️ Avoid overcrowding the fire pit area during gatherings.
Seasonal Considerations	Adhere to fire, wind, and rain limitations based on your location and seasonal dangers.	⚠️ Do not use a fire pit during high winds or fire bans.
Common Mistakes	Be cautious about excessive loading, using inappropriate fuel, setting the fire unfavorably, and leaving it unprotected.	⚠️ Never overload the fire pit; small, controlled fires are safer.
Camping Safety	Use the fire rings that are already in place, extinguish them properly, and conform to the leave-no-trace approach.	⚠️ Always leave the campsite as you found it with no leftovers.

Top Fire Pit Safety Tips

Based on 2018 stats by the American Society of Landscape Architects, 66% of participants stated that their favorite design aspect is preferably an outdoor fireplace.

Since then, the demand for fire pits has certainly increased. 

You follow these 17 safety recommendations, you can enjoy the cozy warmth of cost-effective backyard fire pit ideas while ensuring that you and your loved ones stay protected from fire hazards.

Top Fire Pit Safety Tips

1. Regulations and Codes

It’s crucial to understand and follow your local design codes and fire laws. The rules have been set in place to safeguard the public and avoid risky circumstances.

Geographic fire codes vary greatly, and violations can result in penalties and excessive risk to people.

When dealing with your local regulators, verify the following information:

• The fire pit’s appropriate size.
• The specific type of fuel you can fire up, such as ethanol, wood, propane, etc.
• A proper separation between buildings and boundaries.
• If particular sorts of fire pits are restricted.

You may reduce safety concerns and show respect for the environment and your community by being aware of and adhering to fire regulations and codes.

2. Fire Pit Location and Setup

Locating a suitable spot for your fire pit is vital for both fun and safety. When setting up your portable or permanent fire pit, follow the following instructions:

• Select a site with a leveled non-flammable surface, for example, brick, stone, or concrete.
• To ensure sufficient airflow, arrange the fire pit at least 10 feet away from all sides including any possible threats.
• Analyze local conditions, such as the flow of the strongest winds.

By putting your fire pit in a secure space with a level surface far away from structures you can decrease the chance that sparks and flames can spread causing plants or buildings on fire.

3. Safety Fire Pit Safety Tips for Wood Burning Fire Pits

When utilizing a wood-burning fire pit, keep these points in mind:

• A wood-burning fire pit should always be supervised.
•  Before leaving the place put out the fire completely.
• Installing it on a wood deck is not recommended.
• A smaller, controllable fire is unable to spread accidentally and is easy to tackle rapidly if needed.
• Always have a fire extinguisher, sandy material, or a bucket of water nearby as an efficient way of placing out a fire.

Wood Burning Fire Pit

4. Safety Tips for Propane and Natural Gas Fire Pits

Natural gas, propane, and electric fire pits are clean-burning and efficient alternatives. You should follow these fire pit Safety tips while using such fire pits:

• Examine gas connection leakage regularly.
• As you found the leak, stop the gas supply quickly.
• Never place anything combustible close to the fire pit.
• Notice the ignition and operation guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
• Keep an eye on your surroundings and never leave the fire pit unsupervised.

You can enjoy the simplicity and calm of your natural gas or propane fire pit if you adhere to these safety guidelines.

Propane and Natural Gas Fire Pit

                                               

5. Safety Tips for Ethanol and Gel Fuel Fire Pits

Ethanol and gel fuel fire pits are very popular due to their flexibility and ease of usage. While refilling and using your ethanol and gel fuel fire pit, consider the following preventive measures to stay out of hazardous dangers:

• Utilize the fuel that the manufacturer suggests for your fire pit.
• Before restoring ethanol or gel fuel fire pits, check that the fire is completely out and cool.
• Ethanol or gel fuel should be properly stored far from children, pets, and fire pits.
• Observe the lighting guidelines issued by the manufacturer, keeping your hands and face far from the light.
• To avoid smoke accumulation, place fire pits in properly ventilated places.

Ethanol and Gel Fuel Fire Pit

6. Read the Product User Manual

Reading the user guide provided with your equipment is vital for making sure that your outdoor fireplace is safe.

• The user manual provides the key information about assembling, functioning, preservation, and issues fixation.
• If you ignore the instructions in the user manual, it may void your warranty.
• The booklet contains information on warranty criteria and the procedure to report a claim for damage or faults.

By reading the instruction manual, you can protect your investment in a fire pit and confirm safety.

7. Fire Pit Maintenance and Inspection

Your fire pit’s lifespan and security depend on ongoing maintenance and servicing.

Frequent use and interaction with harsh environments may cause damage to the fireplace over time, therefore regular inspections and fire pit safety tips are necessary.

• Monitor your fire pit for wear, rust, or cracks.
• To ensure safe operating and airflow, clear any ash or debris.
• In both natural gas and propane fire pits, check for leaks in the gas connections and lines.
• When not in use, cover your fire pit to prevent cleaning and weather damage.

8. Lighting the Fire

According to your fire pit, there are significant fire pit safety tips regarding how to start a fire correctly.

• For a wood-burning fire pit, start with limited fuel and burning at the bottom, then add larger pieces of dry wood. Never use any flammable liquids such as gasoline or lighter fluid.
• Check that all gas connections for natural gas and propane fire pits are strong before activating the valve. Light the fuel source using a powerful match or lighter or with the lighting mechanism that comes with it. To stop unexpected flare-ups, keep your face and body far from the fire pit. 
• Use authorized fuel, reduce the amount you fill ethanol/gel fire pits, and light it carefully with a match or long lighter.

9. Extinguishing and Cleanup

Carefully cleaning up your fireplace after consumption is as necessary as arranging for lighting, or starting your fire pit.

• In the case of the wood fire pit, leave the wood to burn to ash before adding water, mixing, and continuing until all hissing ends.
• For setting out fires in gas fire pits, turn off the gas supply and allow the unit to cool down before covering.
• Never extinguish an ethanol or gel fire pit with water; instead, utilize a fire snuffer or cover.
• Sweep away any debris and make sure that the space is secure and neat after putting out the fire.

10. Fire Pit Accessories

Ensure that you have all the necessary items for an enjoyable and safe fire pit environment.

• To effectively deal with sudden outbreaks, put a fire extinguisher at a nearby place.
• To control sparks while keeping the flame stable, prefer to use a spark screen or windscreen.
• To safeguard your fire pit from weather damage and rust-like substances add a robust lid.
• A first aid kit must be kept on hand as a safety in case of tiny cuts or bruises.

Fire Pit Accessories

11. Emergency Procedures

For effective responses to fire pit incidents, be aware of these fire pit safety tips:

• Learn how to cure burns with sterile water cooling down for 10 minutes, a sterile cloth, without creams or ointments.
• If you have fatal burns or wounds on your face, hands, or significant areas call medical help instantly.
• Always be sure that everyone knows the details of the emergency scheme, including the location of the fire extinguishers, first aid apparatus, and evacuation paths.

12. Firewood and Fuel

A pleasant and secure fire pit activity relies on using the right kind of fuel and logs.

• Wet wood burns improperly and generates too much smoke and flames. For fires that are hotter, cleaner, and longer, seasoned woods are better for a more intense, cleaner, and longer fire atmosphere.
• Always use the specified fuel for gas, ethanol, or gel fuel fire pits to prevent damage and assure protection.

13. Safety Measures for Children and Pets

If you want kids and pets away from the fire pit, develop a protective zone around it.

• Keep a close eye on kids, and inform them about fire safety, while maintaining an appropriate spacing.
• To prevent problems caused by interest, put pets on chains or somewhere else.
• Place items for a fire, such as fuel and matches, away from reach to avoid unlawful access.

14. Fire Pit Safety Tips During Gatherings

Keep a check on the use of alcohol to reduce negligence and minimize your chance of fire-related incidents, 

• To prevent issues, supervise that those who are intoxicated keep a suitable distance from the fire pit.
• Organized Seating will enable simple movement between the fire pit and guests.
• Provide sufficient light for secure transit and design furniture carefully to prevent potential hazards.

Fire Pit Gathering

15. Seasonal Considerations

Seasonal changes create new challenges and precautions while preserving and securely using fire pits.

• In other seasons, windy conditions are more common. Strong winds can quickly spread sparks or fires outside the burning pit area, so practice extreme care.
• Verify that your fire pit and the wood you use are completely dry and covered during rainy or damp weather. In addition to making it difficult to start a fire, wet circumstances can result in uneven burning and excessive smoke.
• Stay aware of local fire limitations and greater fire hazards during the drier seasons.

16. Common Fire Pit Mistakes to Avoid

• Using flammable liquids to start the fire.
• Setting the fire pit under low tree branches.
• Ignoring the fire.
• Neglecting safety equipment.
• Ignoring surface and surrounding materials.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can enjoy your fire pit safely and responsibly!

17. Fire Pit Safety Tips for Camping

• For the sake of the environment, use movable fire pits or old fire rings and obey safety laws and regulations.
• Confirm regional rules regarding making campfires as they change based on the area and time of year.
• To save wood and lower the chance of spreading, keep your campfire small and controllable.
• Be active near the fire and take care that a campfire is completely out before leaving.

Fire Pit during Camping

Final Thoughts

To have unforgettable and safe outdoor events requires attention that guarantees fire pit safety.

The 17 recommendations we have talked about offer significant guidance for avoiding mishaps, securing your property, and getting the best use of a fire pit’s comfort and charm.

Besides strictly complying with the guidelines, fire pit safety tips involve promoting awareness and engaging responsibly while protecting your surroundings, your loved ones, and yourself.

You can get your fire pit’s benefits while decreasing any risks by implementing these steps.

Fire Pit Safety Tips Checklist

1. Placement

•  Arrange the fire pit on an even surface that is resistant to fire.
• Verify that the pit is ten feet or more from any plants, buildings, or flaming objects.

2. Preparation

• Keep a fire extinguisher, outdoor hose, or pail of water at hand.
•  Remove any flammable stuff, dead leaves, or debris that is five feet away.

3. Operation

• Use fuel that’s specifically allowed for your particular fire pit, like ethanol, propane, or seasoned wood.
• Prevent from lighting the fire with accelerating agents like gasoline or lighter fluid.

4. Monitoring

• Though the fire looks perfectly under control, you shouldn’t ever leave it unchecked.
• Always establish a secure distance between children and pets.

5. Extinguishing

• Ensure the fire is completely out before leaving the area.
• Use a fire pit cover, sand, or water to extinguish safely.

FAQs

How to safely have a fire pit?

Keep an eye on the fire, and set the fire pit on a flat, non-flammable surface, while maintaining an appropriate distance from buildings.

What are the safety rules for pits?

Maintain the appropriate distance from volatile objects, use the right fuel, stick to manufacturer instructions, and always put down a fire properly.

How to make a safe firepit?

Use a fire ring or incombustible pit, find a spot with adequate ventilation, and make certain that the ground is clear of dry leaves and debris.

What are the top tips for fire safety?

A fire extinguisher should always be within reach, and care for the fire pit capacity while establishing adequate airflow are top fire pit safety tips.