Burning A Fire in A Safe and Responsible Manner

 

A roaring fire has become the staple of most backyards around America. The heat of the blaze makes chilly winter evenings more bearable. The magnetic flames are also the perfect excuse for family and friends to gather and make merry.

Be it a wood fire pit, a propane fire bowl or an automated tiki torch, people love to absorb the cozy atmosphere – but is there more being absorbed than what meets the eye?

Indeed, harmful toxins permeate the atmosphere around a fire for more reasons than one. Fact of the matter is that there is not much to blame in a clean-burning fire, especially when it is powered by natural gas or propane.

It is best to opt for untreated wood as pressure-treated options release toxic chemicals like arsenic and it is not safe to inhale the smoke. Even manufactured logs are better avoided. Similarly, gasoline and other accelerants also end up polluting the air with toxins. It is best to burn seasoned firewood in a natural manner that promotes complete combustion. In general, small fires are better than large smoldering ones.

When it comes to gas-powered fire features, the fire and smoke is not harmful on its own. However, people should be wary of the materials and other elements of the fire feature itself. Some fire features available on the market incorporate certain materials that lead to unhealthy emission of some nasty chemicals. Inhaling the noxious fumes can have dangerous effects on the human body. A bitter or unfavorable smell can be a dead giveaway that something avoidable is at play!

On the same lines, even if the fire accessories like glass stones and beads are not properly treated, they can end up releasing toxic fumes and even pollute the atmosphere.

More dangers are in the making as it’s not always about what’s in the fire per se. Even certain things innocently lying around a blazing fire can heat up and release toxins in the air. Therefore, it is better to clear away any chemicals, cleaners or plastics before igniting a fire. Even duct tape used on a fire feature can prove dangerous.

And needless to say, always keep children away from a fire feature and do not allow them to handle the controls for any reason!

Making the right choice

This is why many people prefer to source their fire features and other accessories from Outdoor Fire & Patio (www.outdoorfireandpatio.com) as the company does not use any potentially dangerous materials or chemicals in the construction of its copper fire bowl, concrete fire pit or even fire glass products. There will never be any hidden dangers or other ill-effects from the fire emanating from these fire features! 

Burn a fire for sure, but make sure that you are doing it responsibly!