- A wood or gas fire pit should never be closer than 10 feet from anything flammable, including your house, according to This Old House
- As well, be careful situating your fire pit beneath tree branches
- You also should be very careful about situating your fire pit on a grass, a wood deck, or an enclosed porch
- Seasoned firewood is a better bet if you’re lighting up your fire pit anywhere close to a home because it pops and crackles less
Depending on the size and construction of your fire pit, as well as the materials you use to build it, you may be able to have your fire pit quite close to your house. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and keep your fire pit a safe distance away from any structure, including your house.
The first thing to consider when deciding how close to place your fire pit to your house is the size of the fire pit. If you have a small, contained fire pit, it will be much safer to have it closer to your house than if you have a large, open fire pit.
The reason for this is that small, contained fires are much easier to control and are less likely to get out of hand. Large, open fires can quickly spread and become difficult to control.
Another thing to consider is the material your fire pit is made out of. If your fire pit is made out of stone or brick, it will be much safer to have it close to your house than if it is made out of wood. The reason for this is that stone and brick fire pits will not catch on fire as easily as wood fire pits.
Finally, you need to consider the type of fuel you are using in your fire pit. If you are using dry, seasoned wood, it will be much safer to have your fire pit close to your house than if you are using green wood or other flammable materials. The reason for this is that dry, seasoned wood burns much more slowly and is less likely to cause a fire to spread.
So, how close can a fire pit be to a house? It really depends on the factors mentioned above. If you use caution and common sense, you should be able to have your fire pit quite close to your house without any problems.
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How Close Can a Fire Pit Be to a House
Fire pits can be a very fun way of entertaining guests on the outside of the home. These fire pits are great for hosting large family barbecues at home. Or, you may even choose to get together in a small cozy intimate setting with one or two of your closest friends.
Whatever the circumstances or setting, everyone involved in these events must be aware of the dangers that may be caused by a fire pit flame. One of the biggest hazards is often related to these fires and how close the fire pit is to the home.
Therefore, in this discussion, here are a few essential things that will be covered.
How Far Away From a House Should a Fire Pit be Place?
Most people may agree that a fire pit is a great addition to a deck or patio of any home. However, before you decide to invest in any type of fire pit, you need to know exactly what to do to keep your family and your home safe at all times.
Because burning a fire near the home can be devastating if not set-up properly, special care must be taken into consideration in the beginning. Therefore, one of the most important questions that homeowners should always ask is, how close can a fire pit be to a house?
According to the information posted on sites like Dream Outdoor Living, your fit pit should be positioned at least 10 feet away from your home or any other structure that could be set on fire as a result of its placement.
And, here are a few other things that you need to pay close attention to before you make your final decision.Do not place a fire pit under trees since the leaves may fall inside and cause a fire.
Before you invest in a fire pit, you need to also check with your local fire department to see what this department recommends.
Check your neighborhood’s zoning laws since some areas do not allow a fire pit in these areas.
What is a Fire Pit?
A fire pit can be described in many different ways. However, one of the most common is a hole that people dig into the ground in a place that can be used for an outdoor pit. It is also an area that is designed for a variety of different reasons, purposes and occasions.
Today, some people may even prefer a fire pit to the traditional barbeque grills, especially if they have a choice between the two.
This is normally because modern-day fire pits are very stylish and decorative. They can also be customized to fit into specific areas around around the home, and can be made of a combination of different materials including the following:
precast concrete or metal combination of metal table and stone.
There are also common features of fire pits included in these designs. Many of which are added specifically to help to prevent accidental fire hazards. Therefore, it is important that homeowners choose the fire that they want and need very carefully.
What Are the Different Types of Fire Pits?
The first thing to consider when it comes to choosing a fire pit is its overall purpose and the safety features that’s needed or required. It is also important to note that the latest conventional fire pits come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and designs.
And, they usually have some common features and characteristics in each type, especially since fire pit manufacturers’ designs are meant to accommodate the needs and preferences of their consumers.
For instance, here are 3 different types of fire pits that you can purchase for your home, and they are operated by different fuels.
1. Wood Burning Fire Pits
Similar to having a campfire in the back of your yard, the wood burning fire pits are ideal for creating an atmosphere and ambiance of warmth. Therefore, you can also choose the size and style of the fire that you want when you are making your choice.
For instance, some people may prefer the larger bowl size for their home, especially if they are looking to entertain large groups of people at a time. Homeowners can also select a customized décor to accent the space that is situated in.
The wood burning fire pits are often selected when the owner is not trying to avoid the smells of burning wood in their neighborhood.
2. Gel Fuel Fire Pits
Gel fuel fire pits are also ideal for adding a warm ambiance to any backyard. Some people choose this type of fire pit for its many benefits. For instance, these fire pits will not give off any burnt wood smells.
Therefore, they can be situated in more places around the property than the traditional firewood pit.
3. Propane Fire Pits
If you do not want a fire pit that is made to burn wood, you may want to think about investing in a propane fire pit. These fire pits are usually larger than wood burning pits, and normally sit as the focal point in the space that it takes up.
Some people also like the propane fire pit better than the other two options because of its overall functionality. For instance, it is easier to put out this fire by simply turning off the propane supply to the unit.
Cleaning and Maintenance Mandatory to Prevent Fires
Another preventative measure that must be taken seriously is keeping the fire pit cleaned and maintained regularly. So, here are a few things that you should keep a check on.
Buy a metal grate for your fire pit, this will help to prevent sparks from flying out and causing a fire.
Clean and inspect the fire pit before and after each use.
Remove all dirt and debris away from the fire pit.
Lighting a fire when there are leaves on the ground or other flammable
Conclusion
How close can a fire pit be to a house is a question that every homeowner should ask before they make their investment. Since the fire pit must be at least 10 feet away from the home, you need to know if there is enough room to place it safely.
You need to also what your fire department recommends, and if your neighborhood is zoned for this type of amenity.
References:
- https://backyardtoasty.com/fire-pit-placement/
- https://homeguides.sfgate.com/far-tree-safe-build-fire-pit-55837.html
Hi, my name’s Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. Do you have a fireplace in your house? I’ll help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home.
