Fire Safety That Minnesotans Should Know For The Cold Weather Months

This past Saturday night, my wife and I spent time with some friends sitting around their firepit. We did this a lot last year, but schedules and situations kept us being able to do this as much this year during the summer months. Saturday’s weather provided a great opportunity to sit around with a few couples and just chat, relax and enjoy the fall feel in the air.  

Their fire pit is deeper in the ground than most, which is an added bonus when the wind blows up like it is so prone to do here in Central Minnesota. That was important to Lee when he built the pit. Protecting his home and his neighbors was the highest priority.  

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If you’re going to be spending some time sitting by the fire pits, or fire rings, safety has to be at the top of your list. Here are some tips from the Environmental Protection Agency that could be the difference in a relaxing time, and a panic filled one.  

The Right Firewood 

Having the right wood is key. When storing your wood, keep it off the ground, with a cover on the top. This helps keep moisture off the wood, which means it will light faster and burn better. If you can cover the sides of the wood too, that helps in the wood being ready for your fire. 

The EPA suggests that your wood should season for six months, meaning let it sit and dry out so it’s ready to burn when the time comes.  

Burning Wood Inside 

If you’re going to be using wood heat to stay warm this winter, it’s very important that you pay attention to what is near where the fire will be. Make sure there are no curtains, furniture, books, newspapers near the flames source. 

These things can cause a flame to spread quickly through your house.  

Make sure your wood is dry, do not try to burn green or wet wood. And if you plan to use artificial logs, make sure the fire appliance you plan to burn the wood in has been approved for artificial logs. 

Whether you’re burning wood to keep warm, or to enjoy time outside with friends, make sure you make safety the top priority.