Bonfire Safety

With fall weather in full swing, bonfires are a popular outdoor event.  Safety at a bonfire is key to avoid the spread of any fire and to keep all those attending the bonfire safe.  If you have an established bonfire pit, make sure it is at least 10 feet away from your home and is enclosed by rocks or bricks.  If you have a moveable fire pit, again, make sure you are a safe distance from your home and that you keep the fire in the container. 

The perfect day for a bonfire is one with little wind and weather that is dry.  Make sure to use dry wood and kindling and set your wood up to allow for air flow. Do not use gasoline or any other fire starter that may burst when lit. And NEVER throw an aerosol can or any other explosive agent into the fire. I know of a boy who suffered severe burns over most of his body for doing just that. You are best to use a fire starter stick or some newspaper to light the kindling. 

Always keep a hose nearby in case the fire gets a little too big, and don’t sit too close to the fire. When you're closing down the fire for the night, use the hose to put it out.  Make sure you have fully drenched the fire before heading indoors.