As the weather slowly cools down, many people will be turning to outside campfires and fire pits for warmth and fun.
Fire pits are a great way to keep warm, but improperly using them can lead to trips to the hospital.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says thousands of people seek treatment at emergency departments annually for injuries related to fuel containers, flammable liquids and fuel vapors during activities such as lighting backyard fires, burning leaves or trash, fall camping trips or during all-terrain vehicle rides.
“Fuel containers can be very dangerous because vapors that escape from them are invisible and highly flammable,” said Nicolette Nye, Spokesperson with the CPSC.
The CPSC says the main thing you can do to keep yourself and others safe while burning something outside is to be prepared. Nye says it’s best to have water near you in case the fire gets out of control.
When it comes to storing and disposing of fuel containers, Nye says it’s best to store them in a well-ventilated and cool area, preferably outside the home. As for disposal, Nye recommends completely tightening containers because they can still ignite even after being used.
You can learn more about fire safety and prevention by clicking here.