Backyard charcoal foldable fire pits are a great way to sit back, relax and stay warm at night, helping to create the perfect outdoor living environment, which has made fire pits one of the most sought after accessories for outdoor furniture. However, with this increase in popularity comes an increase in fire-related accidents and injuries. Fortunately, many of these situations can be prevented by being aware of the hazards posed and understanding what can be done to mitigate the risks. Ensure that you reduce the risk of fire and ensure the safety of you, your family, friends and your property with these important fire pit safety tips.

Check wind conditions
Check the local weather forecast before you start a fire in a fire pit. Do not use the fire pit on windy days, as the wind will make it difficult to ignite the pilot and may blow sparks onto surrounding brush or buildings, which could start a fire. Also, be sure to check the direction of the wind before you begin lighting the fire. It is recommended that guests sit on the upwind side of the pit to get away from the smoke. If you have a folding fire pit, consider moving it to a location with a natural windbreak - before you light the fire. This precaution will help ensure that your fire is smooth and does not blow embers into the surroundings.

Use the right kind of wood
Choosing the right wood is an important part of charcoal foldable fire pit safety. Different woods will produce different heat sources, so it is best to use firewood that is well-seasoned, dehydrated and ready to burn. Dry hardwoods such as hickory, oak, maple and birch produce little smoke and sparks, while softwoods such as pine, spruce and fir provide the crackling, popping and popping of a campfire. Do not attempt to start a fire with chemical accelerants or petroleum products, as these can make flames difficult to control. Also, don't burn pressure-treated wood or other building materials that produce toxic fumes. Instead, use natural materials and store-bought igniters.

Build fires in the open
Your folding bbq fire pit should be located away from buildings and in an open area. When a fire pit is located under an overhang of a building or under a tree, be aware of low hanging branches and shallow roots. These are very flammable, so do not light the fire pit. Also, keep yard waste and other flammable materials away from the pit. Sparks and embers can blow out of the fire and ignite nearby buildings, dry wood, leaves or other debris. The more items you have in the area, the more likely sparks from the fire pit will cause a fire.

Completely extinguish your fire
When you are ready to go indoors for the night, make sure your fire is completely extinguished. If not properly extinguished, the embers may remain hot for hours after you put out the fire. Hot ashes can act as insulation, keeping the embers warm and reigniting the flames. To extinguish your fire, use the available fuel to keep it burning. After the logs have burned to ashes, use a shovel or poker to spread the ashes in the bottom of the pit. Let the ashes cool; then pour water over them. If you find that the ash is still smoking or emitting steam when you place the water on top of it, there is still a hot spot. Continue adding water until no more steam comes out of the ashes.

Drink responsibly
Alcohol is very flammable, and placing alcohol near a fire pit can easily cause a fire. And excessive alcohol consumption can impair coordination, judgment and reflexes, which can lead to injury to anyone gathered around a camping bbq fire pit. If you or your guests are going to be drinking around an open fire, do so in moderation. Keep everyone at a safe distance from the flames and be prepared to put out the fire in case an alcohol-induced accident occurs.

Dress appropriately
When lighting a folding bbq fire pit or standing near it, please pay attention to loose clothing, dangling accessories, and even long hair. Things like nylon scarves can catch fire in the blink of an eye, and even hair coated with things like hairspray and some sunscreen with alcohol on it can be extremely flammable. While dressing appropriately can help reduce accidents, these accidents can still happen. So if your clothes are on fire, remember to "stop, drop and roll" to put them out.

Keep extinguishing tools nearby
If your collapsible fire pit does cause a spitfire to burn around you, you need to act quickly to put it out. You can use a shovel or wet canvas bag to extinguish any live fire. You can also use a shovel to dump dirt on the fire to block oxygen. Likewise, a bucket of water and a bucket of sand can both deny oxygen from burning. Pour the water over the fire and stir it into a paste to ensure it disappears completely. All of these tools will come in handy when it's time to put out a campfire. It's important to make sure the fire is completely out and cold to the touch before you leave the campfire site or go to bed. Or it's good to have a fire extinguisher nearby.

Fire pits are a great way to relax, spend time with friends and create warm memories. Following these must-know safety tips will ease your worries while preventing unnecessary damage to you or your property.