How to Ensure the Safety of Your Backyard Fire Feature

A fire feature is a tranquil and classy addition to any backyard. Maybe it’s a giant fire pit, or maybe you have a line of fire bowls around your pool. But while fire is beautiful, it’s also dangerous. It only takes one clumsy kid or wayward spark to create an unsafe experience.

That’s why it’s so important to ensure fire features are installed safely. There is a right way to install beautiful backyard fire features while keeping safety and durability in mind. In this blog, we’ll share why fire features are so hot right now, show how to ensure the safety of your backyard fire features, where to get find an expert, and more.

Advantages of Backyard Fire Features

Fire features are one of the hottest backyard additions. Complete with a gorgeous appearance, warmth, and golden glow, they instantly turn your space into a comfy, cozy outdoor experience. Here are some of the greatest advantages of backyard fire features:

• Stunning ambience in your backyard
• Beautiful entertainment space
• Source of warmth and light
• Great for outdoor cooking
• Increased home value

We’ll be focusing on the safety of fire features in this blog, but it’s important to consider the advantages of adding fire to your backyard space. When done correctly, you can experience all of the benefits listed above without any danger.

Building Backyard Fire Features Safely

A well-built fire feature can hold up for years while a poorly constructed fire pit or fire bowl can fall apart quickly or cause fires if you’re not careful. Here’s how to ensure the safety of your backyard fire features:

1. Keep the Fire Feature Away from Your House and Wooden Structures

The number one rule when it comes to fire features is to give them space. You should never have your firepits, fire bowls, or tabletop fires anywhere near flammable structures. Always reserve at least ten feet of space between your house and other wooden structures in your yard. Working with an expert will help you determine the right distance - you also need to consider wind when determining spacing. 

2. Build a Flat Surface for Your Fire Feature

A flat surface is essential for the longevity of your fire feature. Whether you opt for a firepit, fire bowl, or any other type of fire feature, a flat surface helps keep everything stable and prevents tipping. If this isn’t done properly, it can be easy for the ground to shift and fire features could tip and spill or spread. Adding pavers around or underneath your fire feature or features is a great way to provide a stable surface for any fire setting while providing a non-flammable option.

3. Choose a High-Quality Fire Feature

No matter what type of fire feature you want in your space, choosing a high-quaity, fire-resistant material is crucial. There are a vast array of high-quality fire features to choose from, including:

• Natural stone fire places and fire pits
• Custom fire bowls
• Above- or in-ground firepits
• Fire walls
• Outdoor fireplaces
• Wood-fired stoves
• Outdoor pizza ovens

Regardless what you choose for your backyard space, high-quality building materials and expertise are essential. Without the proper equipment and materials, it’s easy to create a fire feature that won’t hold up or doesn’t remain fire resistant. However, by choosing a knowledgeable hardscaping and landscaping designer and builder, you can have confidence that your structure will hold up for years to come.

4. Build Fire Features with Heat-Resistant Materials

Another crucial component to building a backyard fire feature is using heat-resistant materials and surroundings. Oftentimes, natural stone, retaining wall blocks, pavers, and brick are used due to their high heat resistance. Combined with ceramic, metal, and other heat-resistant materials, the finished design can be both beautiful and practical.

5. Clear Flammables and Use Fire Feature Covers

This should go without saying, but flammables should be far away from your backyard fire feature. With that being said, one practical way to safeguard your structure is investing in covers and spark screens. Whether you choose to invest in a custom metal cover to set over the fire when you’re finished, a spark screen while the fire is blazing, or a full-on gazebo or larger covering, these can be helpful for the longevity and safety of your fire feature. Having a cover on hand ensures that other debris doesn’t fall in your fire and it keeps stray embers from flying out after putting your fire out for the night.

6. Gas vs. Real Wood: Know the Tricks

Fire features are typically available in real wood or gas-controlled. Wooden features require a manual light to start - think of your classic fire pit with wooden logs, as an example. Gas fire features ignite via a control.

Both options have their benefits and create different aesthetics. If you opt for a wood fire feature, you’ll need to check with your city and county before lighting your fire feature. It’s common for cities to enact fire bans during the summer when forest fire risks are high - which apply to wood fire features as they’re less controlled. Save yourself a potential fine by checking before you activate your fire feature. These bans often don’t apply to gas features, as they are controlled - but it’s still a good idea to check your local laws anyway!

Other Fire Feature Safety Tips

Outside of how to ensure the safety of your backyard fire feature, you should also be cognisant of safety tips once your structure is built. Here are fire feature safety precautions to take once you’re ready to enjoy your finished project:

• Never leave the fire feature unattended
• Don’t use flammable liquids on the fire
• Only burn firewood or the necessary fuel
• Extinguish the fire before heading inside
• Have water on hand
• Supply a first aid kit nearby
• Supervise children and pets
• Always have someone attending the fire
• Invest in a spark screen
• Regularly remove ashes and debris

Find Minnesota Fire Feature Installation Services for Your Backyard

Learning how to ensure the safety of your backyard fire feature ensures that you’ll get the most out of your outdoor experience. However, the best way to ensure your fire pit or fire feature is safe and built to a higher standard is to use a professional backyard builder.

If you’re looking for a professional in Minnesota to build your fire feature, Outdoor Innovations Landscaping is one of your best options. With fully licensed and insured experts, our team can build the backyard of your dreams.

Outdoor Innovations Landscaping creates elevated backyards for homeowners in Minnesota. From in-ground pools to luxurious grilling stations to outdoor living rooms, we do it all. Explore our past projects and get a quote online to make your dream backyard a reality.