Jun 20, 2006 5:49 pm US/Eastern
Backyard Fire Pit Safety
by Stephanie Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
The popularity of portable backyard fire pits is on the rise. While they can be fun, they could be putting your family in danger.
They start innocently with the strike of a match and a small flame lapping at the kindling. But even a small fire can spell big trouble if you're not careful.
Cherry Hill Fire Chief Kevin Kenneth spends his days fighting fires, but once he gets home, he builds them in his backyard fire pit.
"Some of the features on this particular one is we have grating on the side," he said.
Kenneth's pit is protected on all sides, but fire pits come in all shapes and sizes like clay chimineas and aluminum bowls that are frequently seen in store advertisements.
Problems can start with how the fire is built.
"People have used lighter fluid, they've used gasoline," Kenneth said. "It can be so dangerous, it's not worth jeopardizing our safety our safety even to give you a demonstration."
He also said you should be careful not to stack the wood too high.
"What can happen is this can shift and the wood can fall out," Kenneth said.
Instead of newspaper, use something like fire starters. They cut down on the smoke that comes from burning paper.
"People think that if a little works, a lot works better," Kenneth said.
He added that a fire will last longer and be safer, if you start small.
It's also important to keep your fire pit at least ten-feet from your house and three-feet away from any outdoor furniture because it only takes a few seconds and a little flame for disaster to occur.
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