Safety Guidelines for Your Outdoor Fireplace

Outdoor Fireplace Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Outdoor fireplaces are the perfect addition to homes in Aurora & Denver, CO. However, prioritizing outdoor fireplace safety is essential to fully enjoying these stunning features. To mitigate safety risks and optimize the usage of your outdoor fireplace, Blue Sky Hardscapes & Irrigation is here to serve as your guide.

Outdoor Fireplace Safety Tips Guide

Outdoor fireplaces allow you to spend your days or evenings in a relaxing, natural ambiance no matter the time of year. While these features offer a number of advantages, they can also be hazardous when mishandled. To ensure the safety of your property and loved ones, let’s explore key outdoor fireplace safety tips.

Fuel Matters

When it comes to outdoor fireplaces, fuel matters. It’s crucial to the integrity of your fireplace and the safety of your home that you opt for the right type of fuel. Use natural gas or an outdoor propane fireplace and avoid accelerants, including lighter fluid and gasoline, as they are prone to causing uncontrollable flames and explosions.

Maintain a Safe Distance

The warmth of outdoor fireplaces may encourage you to inch closer to the flames. However, it’s imperative to maintain a safe distance. Establish a safe zone to keep people, pets, furniture, and objects out of harm’s way. Furthermore, combustible substances should be kept a minimum of three feet away from outdoor fireplaces to mitigate accidental ignition.

Outdoor Fireplace Placement

Proper placement is vital to the safety of outdoor fireplaces. To choose the right location, scope out an open area free of flammable structures, such as low-hanging housing components, branches, or shrubs. Additionally, ensure that your site selection has sufficient clearance on each side to create space between the outdoor fireplace and any combustible materials.

Prioritize Outdoor Fireplace Supervision

Outdoor fireplaces should never be left unsupervised. Fires have the power to escalate into dangerous situations at alarming rates, and the wind can make matters worse by transporting burning embers to nearby structures or landscaping materials, sparking an uncontrollable fire. To reduce these risks, be sure an adult is always minding the fireplace when lit.

Master the Art of Extinguishing

When you are ready to turn in for the night, be sure the fire is extinguished with no possibility of reignition. Too often, devastating fires begin due to improper extinguishing, as ashes and embers remain hot. To prevent safety risks, stir sand or water into the embers until they cool down entirely.

Consider a Spark Arrestor

If you’re a wood-burning enthusiast with a beautiful outdoor brick fireplace, you may want to consider investing in a spark arrestor. These valuable tools are used to create a barrier to stop embers and sparks from escaping the fireplace. With proper maintenance, spark arrestors are an excellent way to combat accidental burns or fires.

Keep Your Fire Extinguisher Accessible

Even if you own an outdoor gas fireplace and adhere to the most rigorous outdoor fireplace safety protocols, accidents are sometimes out of your control. To maintain your safety, be proactive by keeping your fire extinguisher accessible. Verify that your extinguisher is in peak condition and ready to use should the unexpected strike.

Don’t Overlook Routine Outdoor Fireplace Inspections

Whether you own an old or modern outdoor fireplace, the importance of maintenance cannot be overstated. Outdoor fireplaces should be periodically inspected for wear and damage and tested to ensure all parts are in prime working condition. It’s also important to clear out debris and ash to uphold the integrity of your fireplace.

Pay Attention to the Weather

Outdoor fireplaces allow for year-round enjoyment. However, it’s important to pay attention to the weather before lighting a fire. Excessive wind can be extremely hazardous as it can easily transfer hot embers to dry spots in your yard, elevating the risk of dangerous fires.

Let’s Discuss Your Modern Outdoor Fireplace Desires

Whether you’re looking to upgrade an existing unit, install a brand-new outdoor fireplace, or secure expert maintenance services, Blue Sky Hardscapes & Irrigation has you covered. As Aurora and Denver, CO’s leading source for outdoor fireplaces, we’re here to bring value and performance to your space. Contact us today to discuss outdoor fireplaces with our expert designers.