Using a Chimenea or fire pit to keep warm? Please follow our advice to stay safe.
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We want you to enjoy these winter days so when the temperature drops most people find themselves huddled round a warm fire in their garden to keep the chill out.
Using a chimenea is much safer than having an open fire in your garden, as they enclose the majority of the flame, however people need to realise that the heat and flames from them can still be dangerous if they are used incorrectly.
If you are using a chimenea please ensure:
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The set-up is safe - avoid placing your chimenea on decking or near trees and structures. Also make sure that it is stable and secure on its stand to minimise the risk of it falling over.
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Never use chemicals such as petrol to start your fire, instead use kindling to create small fire and then slowly add the larger wood.
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The chimenea has a fire guard, if it did not come with one, you can easily make one yourself using mesh wire. The guard will then prevent any hot embers escaping and possibly burning someone.
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Make sure children are properly supervised and warn your guests of the dangers too.
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Only build small fires - a chimenea is designed for small fires, not big ones, so if you see flames coming out of the chimney or mouth it is too big.
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Someone stays to watch it burn - never leave any fire unattended, whether it is a barbecue or in a chimenea.
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Enjoy yourself, but don’t drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the fire.
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Always keep a bucket of water, sand or garden hose nearby.
