Bonfires are a fun and easy way to spend time with friends and family during these late summer days. But they’re also a serious fire hazard if precautions aren’t taken first. The National Fire Protection Association reports that there are approximately 320,000 reported home fires caused by outdoor wood or charcoal fires each year in the United States alone. Fortunately, these fires can be prevented through proper precautionary measures. Which is why we’ve put together the following safety tips for backyard bonfires.

Don’t a Bonfire too Close to Your Home

The first and most important tip is to always keep your bonfire a safe distance from your home. The last thing you want is for sparks to fly and catch your house on fire. A good rule of thumb is to keep it at least 30 feet away. This goes for all structures – not just your home. If you have a shed or garage on your property, you should follow the same rule.

It only takes a small gust of wind to spread. the hot sparks or debris from your fire. And it only takes a residential structure 5 minutes or less to become completely engulfed. So it’s better safe than sorry when it comes to keeping your bonfire a safe distance from your home.

A similar rule is applied to trees and other plants. You’ll want to be sure to keep your fire away from any trees or bushes on your property. 

Finally, be mindful of your property lines. You want to respect your neighbors and be careful to avoid any unwanted accidents when it comes to their property as well. Following the same guidelines as above is important when it comes to your property lines.

Contain Your Bonfire in a Pit

One of the most important safety tips for a backyard bonfire is to build your fire in a pit. While permanent fire pits are the most ideal here, it doesn’t rule out other options.

If you’re building on open land, you’ll want to be sure that your bonfire is completely surrounded by bricks or stones. This helps prevent the spreading of ash, coals, cinder, and flames. 

If you’re using a movable fire pit, be sure to prep and set it up properly. For example, you’ll want to place your fire pit on level ground, keep it elevated off of the ground or deck, and make sure that there’s nothing above your pit before burning. It’s best to follow the instructions that came with your pit as well as research the best safety tips beforehand as well. 

Remove Fuel for Fire

One of the best ways to prevent a home fire is to remove the fuel for a fire. This means making sure to clean up your lawn before starting your bonfire. Leaves, sticks, and other debris can be an easy domino effect for spreading a fire. all it takes is one runaway spark or ash to set these items off. And if they’re all over your lawn, then it’s almost inevitable that the fire will spread like crazy!

Pruning Tree Branches

One way to reduce the risk of a tree fire at your home is to have a professional tree trimming expert prune tree branches at the base of trees. Most places have regulations in relation to trees. For instance, many will require that there be a 21 foot clearance above fire pits. This ensures that overhead branches aren’t left vulnerable to fires.

Tree and Branch Removal

Home safety is important, and one way to help ensure your home is safe is by reducing fire hazards. One way to do this is by having a professional Tree Service provider remove any dead or dying trees and branches around your home. This will help reduce the chances of a fire starting and spreading to your home. Plus, it will also help improve the look of your property.

Keep Water Nearby

Before you even think about striking a match, make sure you have a hose or bucket of water nearby. Home fires happen every day, and the last thing you want is for your bonfire to get out of control. By having water handy, you can douse the flames quickly if things start to get out of hand.

That being said, if you do have a fire emergency, always call 911 emergency services for help immediately. 

Make Sure the Bonfire is Fully Out

Finally, you should never leave a bonfire until you are sure that it is fully out. To do this, you will want to use water to drown out your fire. According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, you will want to drown your burn pile, stir the coals or debris, and drown it again. Then, repeat this step until the fire is completely out. They also advise that you should go back and check on your burn pile the next day (or several weeks if it was a large one) since fires can rekindle with warmer weather and wind. 

Contact Us Today for a Free Estimate!

If you’re looking forward to having those late summer bonfires, then you should be sure to take all of the steps to fireproof your property to avoid any unwanted fire accidents!  You know how important it is to take steps to reduce the risk of your home catching fire. So let our team at J.C. Tree Care help. We can regularly trim and prune trees around your property. This will ensure that your property is safe during any bonfire this summer!