Douglas Pollock President at Village of Riverside | LinkedIn
Douglas Pollock President at Village of Riverside | LinkedIn
As the warmer months approach, many homeowners will spend more time outdoors, often utilizing outdoor fireplaces. While these fireplaces add warmth and ambiance to backyards, they also pose significant risks if not used properly. Careless misuse can result in injuries, unintended fires, or danger to others nearby.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with outdoor fireplaces, the following safety tips are recommended:
- Never place an outdoor fireplace inside a structure.
- Maintain at least 15 feet of distance from overhead branches and all vegetation.
- Keep the fireplace at least 10 feet away from property lines and combustible materials such as houses, fences, and decks.
- Position the fireplace on a level non-combustible surface made of brick, stone, or concrete.
- Always use a mesh spark screen to cover the fireplace to prevent stray embers.
- Once the fire is out, douse the ashes with water until completely cold.
- Burn only dry seasoned wood.
- Avoid burning hazardous materials like plastic, rubber, or painted/treated wood.
- Do not burn waste items such as leaves, grass, pallets, or garbage; dispose of these properly instead.
- Read and fully understand the operating instructions for your outdoor fireplace.
- Refrain from wearing loose-fitting clothing around the fireplace; keep hair secured and away from flames.
- Do not use accelerants to start fires; use kindling to start fires slowly instead.
- Ensure adult supervision at all times; do not allow children to play near the fireplace.
"The Riverside Fire Department hopes these safety tips are helpful," stated a department spokesperson. "Our mission is to prevent injuries or unnecessary fires while providing a safe and enjoyable backyard experience."
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