July 14, 2023
Fire pits are great for toasting s’mores and keeping you warm on a cool summer evening, but they can also be dangerous when unattended or poorly managed. Here are six fire pit safety tips from Middletown Township Fire Chief John Waltz Jr. and Fire Marshal Buddy Skelly:
- Fire pits should be at least 10 feet away from anything that can burn (i.e., home, trees, shrubs, etc.). When calculating the distance, remember to look in all directions (including vertically) to ensure that nothing is hanging above or next to your fire pit.
- Check the weather before starting the fire. Do NOT use your fire pit when it is very windy or the air quality is poor.
- Do NOT place your fire pit directly on a flammable surface (i.e. grass, wood, etc.). Create a firepit base to ensure the surface remains cool.
- Never leave your fire pit unattended and keep an eye on children and pets while the fire is burning. Use a spark screen to contain the flames and prevent sparks from spreading.
- Have a fire extinguisher, hose, bucket of water, or shovel with dirt or sand nearby to put the fire out quickly. It is also a good idea to have a first aid kit. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
- Put out the fire completely before leaving the site. Simply sprinkle some water into the fire until the embers die. Do NOT pour a bucket of water into the fire. You can also put out a fire by using dry sand or dirt or by using a cover/snuffer if it came with your fire pit.
If you have any questions, please call the Middletown Fire Prevention Office at 732-615-2272.