Do You Have Safety Concerns with Propane Gas Fire Pits or Wonder How Far Away They Should Be Placed From the House or Trees?
As more and more homeowners add amenities to their backyards like ponds, gardens, outdoor kitchens, and the like, firepits are becoming a very popular option. Unlike wood-burning firepits, gas firepits can add that ambiance without the trouble of dealing with piles of ashes. If you’re considering a gas firepit, keep the following guidelines in mind to ensure the safety of your home and family.
Clearance
It’s very important to have proper clearances above and around your firepit, so choose the location for the firepit with that in mind. You should place it on a level surface and the minimum clearances should be 3 feet on all sides and 8 feet above the firepit.
Ventilation
Make sure that there are at least 2 inches of clearance between the bottom of the burner pan and any other objects. Having plenty of ventilation will prevent the build-up of heat and gas within the enclosure of your firepit.
Inspections
Even though you don’t have to deal with ashes with a gas firepit, that doesn’t mean the firepit is maintenance-free. Check your firepit before each use and remove any debris on top such as leaves or twigs. Make sure any hoses or connections are in good repair and free of leaks.
Stay With It
Never leave a burning firepit unattended, and when you’re ready to call it a night, make sure to extinguish the flames and close the gas valve.
Kids and Dogs
Keep a close watch for children and pets around your firepit and keep them at least 3 feet away from the fire at all times.
Fillers
Gas firepits can have fillers made of lava rock, pea gravel, or other non-combustible materials, and fire glass is very popular. Be careful to only use fillers specifically designed to withstand heat and flames.
Fire Extinguisher
Whenever you’re dealing with any open gas flame, it’s wise to keep a dry chemical fire extinguisher handy and to make sure that you know how to use it.
Wind Guard
Even in a light breeze, the flames in your firepit may blow around and reach outside of your burner pan. You may want to add a glass wind guard to your firepit to keep the flames where they belong.
Tri-County Hearth & Patio is a family-owned and operated business located on Old Washington Road in Waldorf, Maryland, and has been serving the area for over 30 years. We offer our customers the largest selection of patio furniture, fireplaces, inserts, stoves, BBQ grills, and outdoor accessories in all of Southern Maryland. Plus, our sales and service professionals are proficient in all things patio and hearth. Visit our website for more information, or if you’re ready to optimize the enjoyment of your home, give us a call at 301-843-1771.