🔥 Fall Fire Pit Safety Tips

As the cool weather settles in, there’s no better way to spend time with friends and family than gathered around a backyard fire pit—sharing stories, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying each other’s company. However, each year fire departments and EMS respond to numerous calls involving injuries, accidents, and fires caused by the misuse of fire pits. Most of these incidents result from human error and lack of awareness.

Willingboro Fire Department wants everyone to stay safe while making memories this fall. Please review these important outdoor Fire Pit & Fireplaces Safety Dos and Don'ts before lighting your next fire:

✅ DO
1. Use a recommended container equipped with an ember-suppressing lid.
2. Burn only clean, dry, untreated hardwood.
3. Place the fire pit at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible material.
4. Keep a working garden hose or Class A fire extinguisher nearby.
5. Always supervise children and pets around the fire.
6. Extinguish completely and never leave a fire unattended.
7. Always call 911 if an emergency happens.

❌ DON’T
1. Burn trash, leaves, brush, or treated/painted wood.
2. Use flammable liquids or accelerants to start or maintain the fire.
3. Allow smoke or odors to become a nuisance to neighbors.
4. Burn on Red Flag Days (high fire danger days).
5. Never leave the fire unattended.

By following these simple safety tips, we can all help prevent accidents and ensure that everyone in our community enjoys a warm, safe, and memorable fall season.

Please stay safe, stay cozy, and thank you for doing your part to keep your community fire-safe!

Fires in outdoor fire pits and fireplaces not in accordance with the New Jersey Fire Code may be extinguished by the fire department.

Please follow the below links for additional information: