Safety tips for backyard fires

When hosting outdoor parties in the backyard, safety should be the top priority, especially when using open flames for lighting or ambiance. Fire sources such as candles, portable outdoor fireplaces, sky lanterns, patio (tiki) torches and fire pits can start a fire if they’re not used carefully. 

Here are some practical tips to prevent fires during outdoor parties:

• If there are children and pets at the party, they should always be supervised and kept at least 1 meter away from open flames.
• If the scene is decorated with burning candles, they must be kept in sturdy candle holders to help prevent candles from being tipped over.
• More than half of all candle fires start when objects that can burn are too close to candles. Flammable objects should be kept far away from candles and any other open flame.
• We strongly recommend using battery-operated flameless candles and patio torches instead of their more dangerous, open-flame counterparts.
• An adult must always supervise portable fireplaces that are burning. Only ethanol fuel made specifically for portable fireplaces should ever be used. More portable fireplace safety tips can be found here.
• Campfires must be made in fire pits to help prevent fire from spreading. A responsible adult should always supervise the campfire and a water source should be kept handy.
• Barbeque grills must be positioned at least 3 metres away from structures. The lid must be open when turning on a gas grill. 
• Bonfires also present safety hazards during outdoor parties. Gas or other flammable liquids should never be used for building or maintaining a bonfire to prevent accidental fires or burn-related injuries.Water should be kept nearby in case of an accidental fire.

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