Are Propane Fire Pits Safe?

Fire pits are useful appliances that allow you to build and enjoy fires in the comfort of your own backyard. The most conventional type of fire pit is a traditional one that supports wood burning. But burning wood can be a major source of pollution, as well as an inconvenience.

One alternative solution is a propane fire pit, but if you've never used propane before, you might be concerned about whether propane fire pits are truly safe.

The short answer is yes, propane fire pits are generally very safe - but you do need to use them responsibly.

How Do Propane Fire Pits Work?

Propane fire pits work by utilizing propane, a type of combustible fuel. There are many different shapes and designs, but they all work with the same general mechanism. The pit area itself is called the housing, which connects to a gas line stemming from a propane tank - your source of fuel. There are one or more burners near the bottom of the bowl. Using an ignition switch, or another ignition source of your choice, you can ignite the gas and have a clean-burning fire.

Some people prefer propane fire pits over traditional fire pits because they tend to be cleaner and easier to maintain. They also have a very reliable source of fuel, which you can refill at your convenience.

Propane Safety Considerations

Propane is safe whenever it's being used responsibly. However, there are some important safety considerations you'll need to keep in mind when using propane:

•  Tanks should be handled and stored with caution. Always store your propane tanks and handle them with caution. Propane tanks are built to be durable, but being stored in improper conditions or being dropped or mishandled could cause a leak or damage to the tank that can increase risks.
•  Always work with a professional when connecting tanks and lines. If you're going to connect tanks or lines, work with a professional. Even if it seems like this is an easy DIY job, one small mistake could result in disaster.
•  Only use outdoors. Generally, you should avoid using propane fire pits indoors. Using propane appliances outdoors means you'll have access to much better ventilation.
•  Respond quickly if you smell gas. If you smell gas, it could be a sign that there's a leak. Propane leaks can be devastating, so it's important to take action quickly if this is the case. Turn off the supply, evacuate the area, and contact a professional immediately.
•  Refill diligently. Strangely enough, running out of propane can be a safety hazard, as it poses risks of leakage and tank deterioration. It's, therefore, important to refill your tank diligently to avoid total depletion.
•  Follow rules and restrictions for cooking. Not all propane fire pits are designed for cooking. If you cook a marshmallow over the wrong type of fire pit, debris could end up clogging your gas burners, posing a safety risk.
•  Turn off when not in use. Always make sure your propane is turned off when you're done using this appliance.

Additional Fire Pit Safety Tips

It's also important to follow standard best practices for fire safety.

These include:

•  Ensure adequate clearance. Be mindful of the areas where you plan to have a fire. It's important to have adequate clearance around the fire pit to minimize the risk of something nearby catching fire. Keep flammable and hazardous materials away from the area.
•  Monitor the wind. It's also important to keep an eye on the weather. Be mindful of wind strength and direction, as powerful winds can increase the risks associated with fire.
•  Cover when not in use. To avoid clogging your burners and generally keep your fire pit in better condition, you should cover your propane fire pit whenever it's not in use. Depending on how you use your pit, it may also be important to clean it out regularly.
•  Exercise extra caution with kids and pets. Most responsible adults know how to handle themselves around a fire, but pets and kids don't always have this level of awareness. Exercise additional caution if there are going to be kids or pets around your fire.
•  Be prepared for an emergency. Finally, have a plan to respond to an emergency. Do you have a fire extinguisher or a hose nearby that could allow you to extinguish a fire that starts rapidly spreading? Do you have a phone nearby so you can call emergency services?

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that propane fire pits are highly safe - arguably even safer than their wood-burning counterparts. As long as you follow the proper safety precautions for both propane and your fire pit in general, you can enjoy backyard recreational fires with minimal risks.