Do you have a fire pit in your backyard and a playful pup or curious cat? There are obvious dangers whenever there is fire, and you always want to keep your furry friends safe.
In order for fire pits to be safe for our pets, you need to establish boundaries. Set up a fence to keep dogs and cats away. Never leave your pet unattended by the fire pit. Keep them at least three feet from the fire. Keep a fire extinguisher handy to quickly put out any accidental fires.
If you are going to have an evening bonfire or a smores night with friends, let everyone know you have pets, and make sure you have a set of rules in mind. In this article, you will learn fire safety tips for your pets.
Fire Pit Safety Tips for Pets
Pets are part of the family. You wouldn’t leave your child unattended near fire; the same principle should apply to your pets. You can include your pets in the fun of the outdoors, but you need to safeguard them against any hazards. The following include some fire pit safety tips:
Ensure the Durability of the Fire Pit
Pets can be destructive. We all know that. If you are going to have a gas fire pit table, it must be stable and durable. Powder coating usually does not have the same propensity toward scratches, rust, and nicks. This makes it safe if your pet tries putting their paw on it.
Composite fire pits can be safer because they offer a sleek wooden look without getting splinters on their little paws.
Invest in a Glass or Folding Wind Guard
Wind guards place a barrier around the flame to prevent your human and fur kids from getting burned. It keeps the flame from interacting with the wind and debris, making it safer. The folding glass wind guard is the more expensive choice, as it is built into the fire pit.
It folds the retaining wall into the fire pit tray. When folded, you can use the glass wind guard as a table. The flames will simply reflect off the glass. A less expensive wind guard has similar safety benefits, but you will need to keep the wind guard up during use.
Be Aware of Warning Signs
If the smoke irritates you, it is also probably annoying your pet. If your pet shows any of the following signs, call the vet right away:
- Red eyes
- Coughing
- Unusual fatigue
- Lack of appetite
- Pawing at eyes
- Decreased thirst
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing or loud breathing
Smoke inhalation can be treated with oxygen therapy, and the sooner you get your pet to the vet, the better the outcome. Anytime pets are around fire, they should be watched closely for any concerning signs.
Keep Fire Pit Tools Out of Paw’s Reach
Fire pit tools like pokers and firepit brooms can cause your pet pain if they step on or accidentally knock them down. Ensure matches are also out of reach because they could chew on or swallow them.
Establish Boundaries
While you can protect your pet in many ways, in the presence of a fire pit, the best way to protect your dog or cat from potential hazards is to keep them away altogether.
You can remove any risks if you have an outdoor soiree with your family and friends. Entertaining your guests outdoors does not need to put your pets in danger. Set up a fence to provide a barrier between your pets, kids, and the fire.
Pets can be inquisitive creatures; you must enforce the rules if they do not want to obey them. This is where setting up a physical boundary like a fence works well.
A material like wood or vinyl can provide the ideal protection. It is stable enough not to get knocked down by you or your pets and is durable enough to endure extreme heat. A good safety gate will ensure they do not get too close to the flames.
Check the Remains in 24 Hours
It is uncommon knowledge that a fire is not truly gone until after the day it has been extinguished. When the party is over, thoroughly douse the flames with water. Adding water extinguishes any remaining sign of a fire. Not putting out a fire correctly may be dangerous for your pets and property.
The day after the fire, douse any remaining embers with water until the hissing sound disappears. Ensure your canine and feline companions are away from the fire pit until the coals have cooled off. It typically takes up to 24 hours.
Fire Pit Basic Safety Rules
While there are many tips on fire pit pet safety, there are also basic fire pit safety rules:
- Check wind direction before lighting a fire
- Keep children and pets at least three feet from the fire
- Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucketful of water close by
- Do not make use of softwoods like pine or cedar because they can throw sparks
A fire pit should also be at least ten feet away from structures. If you can make twenty feet, that is even safer. You want to check your local fire pit codes. There may be stipulations to adhere to.
Never Leave Your Pet Unattended
The most important rule about pets and fire pits is never to leave your pet unattended around a fire pit. There is nothing wrong with being vigilant and watching over your dog or cat the same way you would your human child.
Keep your pet close when you have outdoor get-togethers and barbecues; maintain the adage that it takes a village. If you need to go off and tend to food or grab a drink, have someone in your family or a trustworthy friend look after your fur child.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher an Arms -Length Away
It is a wise idea to keep a fire extinguisher an arms-length away. Putting out the fire quickly ensures your guests, children, and pets stay safe. It’s also not enough to have a fire extinguisher close. You need to keep a fire extinguisher up to code.
Regular maintenance and inspection are also vital for these lifesaving pieces of equipment to work as they should. You can quickly put out a small fire before it gets out of control, or at least suppress it until the fire department comes.
Do Not Give Your Pet Food When Cooking on the Fire
When cooking on the fire, your pet may smell the meaty goodness and want to partake. Your pet may associate bonfires with food, which can be dangerous. They may try to get closer to the flames. It’s best not to allow them that close to the fire pit.
Do Not Toss Scraps of Food into the Fire
Once the fire goes out, if your pet sees food scraps that entice them, they may try to go after it. The embers could spark out and burn your pet.
When you cook on an open flame, the food can come in contact with carcinogens, harming your dog or cat’s health and even changing DNA. Food residue can also fall on the burners of a gas fire pit, blocking burner components.
Gas Burning Fire Pits May be Safer
Gas fire pits tend to be safer than firewood-burning pits. Wood-burning fire pits can be quite hazardous. Gas fire pit tables are usually capped to meet safety standards. You basically trade in the heat for ambiance. Gas fire pits burn at a lesser temperature and do not pose the same hazards.
Ways That Gas Fire Pits Are Safer Than Wood Pits
Gas fire pits do not have the same risk for fire hazards. They are much easier to maintain as well. However, they should still be adequately inspected for safety. Some of the ways gas fire pits are safer than wood:
- Gas fire pit smoke does not burn the eyes
- Gas fire pit smoke does not shift with the wind
- Gas fire pits do not emit sparks the same way
- Gas fire pits come with accessories like glass wind guards
Gas fire pits do not throw sparks like wood-burning pits do. Wood-burning fire pits can ignite more quickly, causing a dangerous situation. Gas fire pits do not have as many safety hazards.
Quick Safety Tips for Gas Fire Pits
Even though gas fire pits are safer, they are not 100 percent foolproof. They need to be inspected regularly. Some safety tips for gas fire pits:
- Keep a ten-foot perimeter away from your home or any building
- Children or pets need to be at least three feet away from the firepit
- Shut off the gas fire pit when the party is over
- Use a lighter stick to avoid ignition
Watch that your fire pit is free of anything the manufacturer does not approve. Use the right fuel and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wood Buring Fire Pits
Wood-burning fire pits are charming and romantic. They offer an ambiance that gas-burning fire pits do not. However, that doesn’t mean it is as safe.
Why Wood Burning Fire Pits Can Be Unsafe
Some people enjoy cutting wood. It can be a therapeutic act. However, wood-burning fire pits can be dangerous. There are several reasons why:
- Watch wind direction and speed
- Too much smoke irritates the lungs
- Some types of wood give off toxic chemicals
- Sparks and embers can cause a fire
Wood-burning fire pits also lack durability and must be properly cleaned after each use. Not keeping the fire pit clean can lead to smoke residue, which affects everyone’s health.
Wood Burning Fire Pit Safety Tips
You should never use anything like gasoline, lighter fluid, or kerosene to fan the flames. These are all dangerous options that have higher instances of causing a fire. You can invest in a spark screen to prevent sparks or embers from burning your pets.
Always make it a point to put the flame out safely. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand, but if you do not have a fire extinguisher, use a bucket of water. When the fire dulls into embers, use a shovel to combine the embers and ash. Continue until you no longer hear “hissing.”
The Tiny Kitten Rescued from a Fire Pit
There is a true story that occurred during a particularly busy kitten season. An adorable tiny orange kitten was rescued from a fire pit. His rescuers named him Arson, but there was a backlash, and he was renamed Pheonix.
He rose from the ashes and lived to meow another day. The kitten’s fur was singed on his little body. His paw pads and nose had blisters. However, he was a brave little soldier; fortunately, his eyes were unharmed.
His rescuers said that he had the appearance of a “melted teddy bear.” Upon walking through the fire pit, the kitty cried for help, and he found it. This tiny kitten’s spirit was not broken, and he was extremely cuddly and affectionate with anyone who came near him.
Most of the time, there are only warnings to check under your car hood to ensure a defenseless animal has not found their way into it, but checking the fire pit is not often thought of. So let this be a lesson.
Always check the fire pit before lighting. This orange baby is healing and will be up for adoption. He will soon have a happy, healthy new life and, ideally, no more contact with fire pits.
The chart below shows the top five fire pits for gas and wood. Select the corresponding link to see more information on each pit.
| BRAND | TYPE OF FUEL | WHERE TO BUY | DESCRIPTION |
| Yaheetech 43 | Propane | Amazon | 50,000 BTU For Patio or Deck use |
| Best Choice Products | Propane | Amazon | 50,000 BTU For Patio |
| Ciays | Propane | Amazon | 50,000 BTU For Patio, Garden, Backyard |
| Legacy Heating Zeta | Propane | Amazon | 50,000 BTU For Backyard |
| Sunnydaze | Wood | Amazon | For yard or patio, Spark Screen, Poker |
| Hykolity | Wood | Amazon | Includes Grill for backyard use |
| Yaheetech | Wood | Amazon | Multi-use Heating, Cooking, Patio |
Conclusion
Fire pit safety is vital for our pets, primarily if you use the fire pit regularly. You can help keep your pets safe by setting up boundaries, preventing them from getting to fire pit tools, paying attention to any signs of smoke inhalation, and never leaving them unattended at the fire pit.
Sources:
https://www.petplay.com/blogs/tips/keeping-pets-safe-around-fire-pits
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https://www.seniorcatwellness.com/do-cats-know-to-stay-away-from-fire/
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