Knowing how to extinguish a fire pit is important, as an improperly extinguished fire can be dangerous. Not only can the heat and smoke from a still-smoldering fire cause injury or even death, but the ashes of an extinguished fire can reignite if not properly cared for.
Knowing how to extinguish a fire pit properly can help ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your property.
There are several advantages to learning how to extinguish a fire pit safely. Understanding the proper steps can help prevent fires, injuries, and property damage. Additionally, properly extinguishing a fire pit helps conserve energy by using less fuel and time.
It also allows for more efficient fire pit use and prevents wasting resources (such as wood, coal, and natural gas). You can find step-by-step instructions on how to extinguish fire pit in this blog article.
How Often Should You Check to Make Sure the Fire Pit is Extinguished?
It is important to check on the fire pit frequently, especially after people have left the area. Make sure that all of the coals and ashes are completely extinguished. It is best practice to use a shovel or poker tool to move things around during checking, as this will help expose any remaining hotspots.
Once you are sure the fire has been completely extinguished, it is important to spread out the ashes and then cover them with a layer of dirt. This will help to prevent any sparks from reigniting the fire. If possible, it is also recommended to pour water over the area after you have covered it with dirt.
Materials & Tools You Will Need
- Fireproof gloves
- Bucket or container of water or sand
- Fire extinguisher (Class B and C)
- Shovel
- Fire blanket
- Garden hose
- Long tongs to move burning logs
- Protective eyewear
- Nonflammable cover for the fire pit
- A garden rake
- Fire retardant spray
- A fire extinguisher (Class B and C)
- Long-handled brush or broom
- A metal container to contain embers until cold
- Gloves
Step-by-step Instructions for How to Extinguish Fire Pit
Step 1: Inspect the Fire
Before attempting to put out the fire, take a few moments to inspect it and determine if it’s safe to extinguish. Ensure that there are no nearby flammable materials or objects that could catch fire in the area. If you plan on using water to extinguish the fire, ensure you don’t create a safety hazard by splashing water onto the hot surfaces.
Step 2: Remove Fuel Sources
If possible, remove any fuel sources such as wood, charcoal or paper that may be contributing to the fire. This will help reduce the intensity of the blaze and make it easier to extinguish. This is the safest way to extinguish a fire pit. Place a metal lid or heavy-duty aluminum foil over the top of the pit, ensuring that all openings are covered.
This will starve the fire of oxygen and cause it to die out quickly.
Step 3: Reduce Oxygen Flow
If you don’t have a lid for the fire pit, you can reduce the oxygen flow by placing a damp towel or blanket over it. Ensure that none of the openings are left uncovered and wait for the fire to die on its own. If there are still some embers or burning material left in the fire pit, you can use a shovel to scoop them out and put them into a metal bucket.
Once removed, douse the embers with plenty of water to ensure they’re fully extinguished.
Step 4: Add Water
If necessary, add some water to the pit to help extinguish any remaining embers. Make sure to add enough water to cover the entire pit and wait for it to be absorbed before adding more. Once you’ve put out the fire, monitor the fire pit for a few hours until all the heat has dissipated and all the embers have been extinguished.
Step 5: Dispose of Ash
Once the fire pit has cooled down completely, you can safely dispose of the ash in a metal trashcan or bucket. Make sure to wear protective gloves and safety glasses when doing so as hot embers may still be present. Once all of the ash and embers have been removed, use a wire brush to scrub down the interior of the fire pit.
This will help remove any remaining debris and make it safe for future use.
Step 6: Store Properly
When not in use, store your fire pit away in a safe, dry place. Make sure to cover the opening with a metal lid or heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent sparks from escaping. Following these simple steps will help you safely and efficiently extinguish your fire pit each time.
By following these steps, you can rest assured that your fire pit is extinguished safely and properly each time.
Tips for How to Extinguish Fire Pit
- Ensure that you have the right tools and equipment to put out the fire pit, such as a bucket of water, garden hose, fire extinguisher, or sand.
- Begin dousing the fire with water before it gets too large – keep pouring until there is no smoke and all embers are extinguished.
- Never leave the fire unattended, and make sure that children are kept away from it.
- At the end of each session, ensure all embers have been put out before leaving the fire pit.
- Make sure to dispose of ashes safely; place them in a metal container with a lid and keep them at least 10 feet away from any combustible materials.
- If a fire extinguisher is available, make sure to familiarize yourself with how to use it and have it ready in case of emergency.
- Check local regulations regarding the safe usage and disposal of fire pits before using one. Adhere to all safety precautions prescribed by local authorities.
By following these easy steps, you can safely enjoy your fire pit while minimizing any potential risks. Remember that safety should always be the priority when dealing with fire.
How Can You Prevent a Flare-up After Extinguishing the Fire?
- Thoroughly douse all flames with an approved fire extinguisher. Allow the ashes to cool for at least a day before cleaning or maintaining the pit.
- When the ashes are completely cooled, use a shovel or rake to separate out any large chunks of unburned wood and debris from the ash.
- Spray the area with a garden hose or use an approved fire extinguisher to dampen all of the remaining ash and embers.
- After the entire pit is soaked, spread a layer of sand over the ashes to completely smother any remaining embers.
- Stir the sand with a shovel to ensure that all embers are completely smothered.
- Leave the sand in place for at least one day before removing it from the pit.
- After the sand has been removed, you can dispose of the ashes in a safe and appropriate manner according to your local regulations.
Following these steps can help you extinguish your fire pit safely and prevent any unwanted flare-ups. Please consult a certified professional if you have further questions or concerns about using a fire pit.
How Can You Dispose of the Ashes Safely After Extinguishing the Fire Pit?
Once the fire pit is completely extinguished, you can safely dispose of the ashes. Be sure to wear gloves and use a shovel or scoop to collect the ashes in a metal bucket or container carefully. Once inside the container, place it in an area away from your home, such as on concrete or dirt surfaces. You should never dispose of ashes in a plastic trash can.
Instead, you should allow the ashes to cool for at least 72 hours before disposing of them. This will help ensure that all the embers have been sufficiently extinguished and no fire hazards remain.
If possible, you should consider sifting through ash piles carefully. If any pieces or chunks of hot coal or embers are still present, separate them from the ashes and place them in a bucket of water. After they have cooled, add the wet pieces of ash to your metal container with the other ashes.
Finally, once all the ashes are placed in a secure container, you can either spread them around a wooded area or bury them in the ground. Make sure to check with your local fire safety codes and guidelines before doing so.
Conclusion
Using water to extinguish a fire pit can be dangerous, as the sudden influx of water and heat can cause boiling or steam explosions. Fire pits constructed with bricks or other non-heat-resistant materials may also become easily damaged by using water to extinguish them.
Additionally, it is important to remember that any ash left over from a wood-burning fire pit may contain embers that can re-ignite. It is also important to have a shovel and other tools nearby that can be used to safely move burning materials out of the fire pit area if needed.
In conclusion, extinguishing a fire pit is an important safety precaution that should never be overlooked.
There are several easy steps to take to properly extinguish the fire, including dousing the flames with water, stirring and breaking apart the coals, covering the extinguishing materials with dirt or sand, and ensuring no smoke or heat remains before leaving. I hope this article has been beneficial in learning how to extinguish fire pit.
Make Sure the precautionary measures are followed chronologically.
You Can Check It Out to Protect Concrete From Fire Pit