Firepits Bring Heat and Ambience to Cool Evenings With Family & Friends: Follow These Safety Tips for a Great Fall “Campfire”

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Oct. 23, 2015) – The outdoor fireplace, commonly known as a firepit or firebowl, gives families the opportunity to create special moments in the backyard well into the evening and cooler seasons. Last year, the American Society of Landscape Architects included firepits in its list of the 10 most in-demand outdoor living features and design elements. By 2017, industry sales of outdoor heat appliances and accessories are projected to reach $425 million, growing by 6.5 percent annually.

Significantly less expensive than built-in outdoor fireplaces, firepits are an affordable way to add style and versatility to outdoor living spaces. Blue Rhino’s new Endless Summer® wood-burning firepits feature Airflow, a patent pending technology that is designed to draw air for better combustion. The firepits light quicker and burn cleaner with less ash, which makes it unnecessary to use a wood grate. Propane firepits are also popular because – like gas grills – they are easy to use with no cleanup.

For a pleasurable, safe experience around the firepit on a beautiful fall evening, Blue Rhino, the company known for both the number one brand in tank exchange, as well as an impressive line ofinnovative, premier barbecue accessories and outdoor lifestyle tools by Mr. Bar-B-Q®, offers these tips:

Locating a firepit

• Don’t ignore the view, but be aware of prevailing wind conditions
• Position at least 10 feet away from any structure or combustible surface
• Do not use on wooden decks; do place on rock, stone, concrete or bricks
• Place in a spot clear of hanging trees, branches, brushes, or any other flammable materials
• Choose a spot with good drainage so the firepit is not sitting in water after a hard rain
• Use outdoors, never in a building, garage or other enclosed area

• Pick up leaves and other combustible materials around the firepit to help ensure the fire doesn’t accidentally spread

• Always have a container of water and a garden hose, or a fire-extinguishing spray on standby before starting a fire in the pit

Using a propane firepit

• Keep the ventilation openings near the tank free and clear of debris, and do not obstruct the flow of the combustion of propane and ventilation air
• Check the burner/venturi tubes for insect and insect nests; a clogged tube can lead to a fire beneath the firepit
• Check all gas connections for leaks; use a mixture of soap and water, apply it to hoses and connections, and look for bubbles
• Remember to stock up on propane

Using a wood-burning firepit

• Use all-natural products, such as fatwood sticks, to light the fire; never use chemicals such as lighter fluid, kerosene or gasoline
• Do not burn pressure-treated wood as it may contain harmful toxins
• Burn hickory or oak to produce the least amount of smoke; other good firewood options include pinion wood, alder, cedar, mesquite, pecan and even fruitwoods such as apple and cherry

• Do not overload the fireplace with too much wood while in use
• Use a spark guard to control sparks and burning embers
• Use tongs and leather safety gloves when interacting with the firepit, such as when removing the spark guard or adding logs
• Avoid using fireplace in windy conditions, which can blow embers
• If a fire escapes the pit and moves to a combustible surface, call 911 immediately
• To extinguish a fire in the firepit, allow it to burn itself out; do not use water as the extreme temperature change can CAUSE damage to the firepit

Cleaning and maintaining the firepit

• Clean and inspect on a regular basis, but only when cool and with fuel supply disconnected
• Wipe surfaces clean with mild dishwashing detergent or baking soda with water
• Use a citrus-based degreaser and a nylon scrubbing brush for stubborn surfaces
• Rinse clean with water and allow to air dry
• NEVER use abrasive cleaners or oven cleaner; they will damage the firepit

Always follow manufacturer’s guidelines when using a firepit. Never leave the fire unattended, and do not allow children or animals near any outdoor firepit. Blue Rhino’s full product line and more tips for outdoor living can be found at BlueRhino.com.