When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

While they are the perfect place to enjoy toasting marshmallows and enjoying the sweet caramelized treat surrounded by friends.

If neglected, the consequences can be serious.

Fire pit in backyard

Choose a safe location

One of the most important aspects when using a firepit is where you position it.

Fire Administrationrecommends keeping a firepit at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn.

Fireproof Pros has a 36 inch Fire Pit Mat, for$39 at Amazon.

Fire pit on circular patio

The ground it sits on is equally important to consider.

Avoid placing firepits directly on decking, dry leaves, or unstable surfaces, he advises.

However, Stevens warns that when lighting your firepit, its crucial to consider the weather.

Firepit outdoors

Windy conditions can pose serious fire risks, blowing flames in the wrong direction, igniting nearby materials.

And its not just your own property that is at risk, but your neighbors too.

In these instances, he says you must always use a spark screen.

Pergola with string lights and fire pit

This Firepit Spark Screen is the perfect size for a 30-inch firepit.

It will prevent embers from escaping from the fire and injuring those close by or causing a fire hazard.

It’s made using a heat-resistant and rust-proof coating to withstand the high heat and prevent rust formation.

Hydream Fire Pit  Spark Screen, 30-inch

The screen comes in four sections and can be screwed together and taken apart again for easy storage.

Keep your distance

Although the flames from a firepit are enticing, its important not to get too close.

Its also essential to supervise children and pets, keeping them at a safe distance away from the fire.

A fire pit with stacked logs

Stevens also adds that you must always use proper firepit tools rather than improvising.

But how do you safely put out the flames?

He also suggests, Refrain from adding more fuel, and use water to gently douse the fire.

Father and son keeping warm by an outside firepit

More from Tom’s Guide

Cast iron fire pit on patio

Firepit on patio

SinglyFire 22 inch Fire Pit…

Mesa XL

Wayfair

Article image

Woman cooks food in ninja air fryer

Solar String Lights

Pictures of a PC post-fire

A steel pot cooking on an induction cooktop, with a jug of water, a plant and a coffee machine in the background

An electric blanket on bed below the duvet

Breeo Live-fire pizza oven bundle in back yard

The Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Elliptical unboxed and on a table

The Ordo Sonic+ toothbrush photographed in front of a blue background.

the 1ZPresso J-Ultra coffee grinder with foldable handle and external adjustment dial for easy grind adjustment

Dyson Car + Boat handheld vacuum

Ninja Crispi spring colors

the 1zpresso k-ultra hand coffee grinder, a 7 inch tall coffee grinder with magnetic catch chamber and 48mm stainless steel burrs

iPhone 16 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro

A person holding a Nintendo Switch 2 playing Mario Kart World

2025 Rivian R1S Tri-Motor test drive review.

Samsung S95F OLED TV

ChatGPT generated image