Outdoor Fireplace Cooking Cautions

Cooking over your outdoor fireplace can be a lot of fun, but you should always keep safety in mind.

According to the American Academy of Pediatricians, burns from outdoor fires such as barbecue grills and outdoor fireplaces are one of the most common summertime injuries for children. According to the National Firefighters Association, you should always observe the following safety rules when cooking over an outdoor fire:

1. The outdoor fireplace should be located on a fireproof surface, such as concrete, earth or brick.
2. Never leave a burning fire unattended. Have someone stationed nearby at all times who knows what to do if sparks from the fire ignite something.
3. Have a method of extinguishing the fire within reach of the outdoor fireplace, whether it be a fire extinguisher, a bucket of sand or a water hose. Many outdoor fireplaces come with a safety lid that makes it easy to smother a fire quickly and completely.
4. Keep children away from the cooking area. Besides risking their safety, children are a distraction that can risk your safety as well.
5. Use cooking utensils with long handles – eighteen inches at a minimum. In addition, the handles should be made of a material that doesn’t conduct heat.
6. Check with your local fire department about any restriction on outdoor fires. In some counties, it may be illegal to light a cooking fire in your outdoor fireplace under certain conditions – like during a smog alert.
7. Always make sure that the cooking surface is clean. Baked on grease or food is a fire hazard.
8. Propane and natural gas is not recommended as a fuel for cooking in an outdoor fireplace.
9. Be certain to follow any safety precautions and instructions that came with your outdoor fireplace.
10. Inspect the fireplace for any cracks or damage that might make it dangerous to use.

Cooking on your outdoor fireplace can add a new dimension of fun to your backyard parties and activities, but safety is always important. Follow the safety rules above to be sure that you and your family get the most enjoyment out of your new outdoor fireplace, safely.
 

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