Cool fall evenings in Cedar Rapids are fire pit season. If your fire pit is anywhere near your deck, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is clear: keep the fire pit away from siding, decks, deck railings, grass and other vegetation, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. [NFPA] The Kansas State Fire Marshal puts it more simply: do not put a fire pit on a wooden deck or directly on grass. [Kansas Fire Marshal]
Where to put it
Outdoors only, at least 10 feet from anything that can burn. [NFPA][USFA]
On a level surface that won't catch fire, such as patio blocks, bricks or concrete. [NFPA]
Clear anything that can burn for about five feet around the pit. [Kansas Fire Marshal]
Remove anything flammable stored under the deck or porch. [NFPA]
While it's burning
Check with your local fire department first; open-burning rules differ from town to town. [NFPA]
Use a fire pit screen, and burn only clean, dry, seasoned hardwood. [NFPA]
Keep children and pets at least three feet away, and never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start or restart the fire. [NFPA][Kansas Fire Marshal]
Have a hose, a bucket of water, or a shovel and dirt or sand nearby. [NFPA]
When you're done
Put the fire out completely before you leave. Once the ashes have cooled, put them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and keep it away from anything that can burn, including the deck. [NFPA]
CEDAR RAPIDS