Fire officials: Stay safe this fire pit season

ANDOVER, Minn. -- The Andover Fire Department is warning people to stay safe for this fall's fire pit season.

Fire Chief Jerry Streich says they've had a lot of close calls and that families need to find better ways to burn. He says that on Sept. 21, crews responded to a fire near a residential gazebo structure. He said when they arrived, the gazebo, playset and back side of the home were burning.

According to Streich, the fire was started when high winds intensified smoldering embers.

"We all enjoy sitting by an outdoor fire and relaxing. As the weather gets cooler, and more and more open burning occurs, the risk for these fires to cause secondary fires increase," Streich said.

Streich recommends following these fire safety tips:

1. Use noncombustible material to construct your fire pit. It should be no greater than 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet.

2. If you purchase one on wheels or stands, be sure it is not sitting on combustible material such as wood or grass. The bottom of the carrier likely has holes in it for water to drain. Embers can fall out of the same holes causing a fire.

3. Maintain at least 25 feet from a structure when burning.

4. Only burn clean dry wood.

5. NEVER us an ignitable liquid to start your fire! Each year people are severely burned this way.

6. Always assure there is an adult with the fire at all times.

7. Have a means of extinguishment onsite, such as a water hose or fire extinguisher.

8. Assure the fire is COMPLETELY out when you are done with it. Use copious amounts of water to assure the embers are cool. They can smolder for days.

9. Place embers outside in a noncombustible container AWAY from structures.

Most cities have burning regulations. In Andover, residents can burn between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m. during the week. On Saturday and Sunday, they can burn between noon to 1 a.m.