Fire pit safety with kids and pets comes down to four habits: an adult watches the fire the whole time it is lit, everyone stays out of a marked zone around it, nobody touches the pit until it has cooled, and lighters, keys and fuel stay out of small hands. Spark screens, burner covers and timers help, but none of them replaces supervision. HPC Fire says it plainly in its fire pit insert manual: never leave an operating fire pit unattended, and carefully supervise young children around it.
This guide covers rules specific to children and animals. For clearances from walls, fences and overhangs, see fire pit distance from the house, and for choosing a pit, start with the fire pit buying guide.
Fire pit safety rules that matter most with kids
- One adult on fire duty. HPC’s manual says children and guests should be supervised by a responsible adult who knows the emergency shutdown.
- Set a no go zone. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends a 3 foot safe zone around grills to keep kids and pets safe. Apply the same idea to a fire pit: mark a ring with pavers or a rug edge, and young children do not cross it without an adult holding their hand.
- Keep active play away. Move ball games and chasing to the far side of the yard.
- Loose clothing and long hair. HPC warns everyone to stay away from hot surfaces to avoid burns and clothing ignition. Tie back hair and skip dangling strings when kids roast marshmallows at a wood pit.
- Teach stop, drop and roll. The American Red Cross recommends teaching every household member to stop, drop and roll if their clothes catch fire.
Using a fire pit with kids at the table
A fire table puts the flame at lap height. Seat young children away from the burner edge and never let a child stand on seating to lean over the glass. As our fire pit wind guard guide explains, HPC guards are 6 inches tall: enough to shelter the flame, not enough to keep a child or pet away from it.
Hot surfaces after shutoff: glass, lava rock and metal
Turning the gas off ends the flame, not the heat. Fire glass, lava rock, the burner pan and a metal rim stay hot after the fire goes out, and they look the same hot or cold.
- Keep the no go zone in force until the pit has fully cooled. HPC’s manuals say to turn the pit off and let it cool before covering it.
- HPC says that if lava rock is wet, let the pit burn for 45 minutes before anyone comes within 15 feet. Keep kids and pets well back after rain.
- Once it is cool, cover it. HPC says the pit should always be covered when not in use, and a hard burner cover hides shiny media from curious hands and paws. Our fire pit cover guide covers sizing.
Fire pit spark screen for wood burning pits
Wood pops and throws embers. The USFA recommends a metal screen over wood burning fires to keep sparks from floating out. A spark screen also stops kids tossing things into the fire, but the steel gets hot, so it is not a barrier against touching. Gas pits do not throw embers the same way and rarely need one.
Gas controls: key valves, timers and ignition
- Key valves. If your natural gas pit runs from a key valve, pull the key when the fire is off and store it out of reach.
- Shutoff timers. HPC timers stop gas flow after 2 or 12 hours. They back up a forgetful adult; they do not replace one.
- Electronic ignition. A button start avoids an open match flame near kids. HPC’s electronic ignition manual still says to turn off power or gas to prevent an accidental start and never leave the lit pit unattended.
- Propane tanks. HPC says not to let children tamper or play with the cylinder, and to keep its valve closed when the pit is not in use.
- Lighters and matches. The USFA and the Red Cross say to store them out of children’s sight and reach; the Red Cross recommends lighters with child resistant features.
Fire pit and dogs: pets around the flame
The American Red Cross notes that pets are curious about open flames and advises never leaving a pet unattended near one.
- Leash new pets. A dog that has never seen a fire may bolt or jump on the table. Keep it leashed at your side the first few times.
- Watch tails and fur. Wagging tails and long coats can swing over a low burner.
- No eating fire glass, lava rock or ash. Pieces can be sharp. If your pet swallows any, call your veterinarian. For possible poisoning, ASPCA Animal Poison Control answers 24/7 at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
- Cover the pit. A cover keeps dogs from digging in the media.
Putting the fire out properly
For gas, turn the valve off and remove the key if you have one. For wood, follow your fire department’s guidance; the USFA says to turn off or put out fires before you leave the backyard. If you smell gas, HPC says to shut off the gas, put out any open flame and call your gas supplier or fire department if the odor continues. Local code and a licensed gas pro have the final word on any installation.
First aid for burns: see a doctor or vet
MedlinePlus says to run cool water (not ice water) over a minor burn with unbroken skin, then cover it with a dry, sterile bandage, and never put butter, oil or ice on a severe burn. The Red Cross advises cool, clean running water for 5 to 20 minutes and says burns to the face or hands, or larger than your palm, need the emergency department. MedlinePlus says children should be seen right away. For a pet, call your vet or an emergency animal hospital and follow their instructions.
Fire pit safety gear we carry
| Product | Safety role | Listed detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohioflame Spark Screen OFSC | Holds sparks in a wood pit | Fits select Ohio Flame pits | From $314.95 |
| Ohioflame Spark Screen with Door | Add wood without lifting the screen | Access door | From $454.95 |
| Ohioflame Flat Fire Pit Lid | Closes a cooled wood pit | 3/16 in steel | From $224.94 |
| HPC Fire 2 Hour Shutoff Timer | Stops gas after 2 hours | Weather resistant dial | $519.65 |
| HPC Fire 12 Hour Shutoff Timer | Stops gas after up to 12 hours | Weather resistant dial | $565.25 |
| HPC Fire 28 x 16 in Burner Cover | Covers the burner and media | Stainless steel | $375.25 |
| Patio Resorts Paris 49 in Fire Table | No match needed | Electronic ignition, 56,000 BTU | $1,780.50 |
| Patio Resorts Venice 48 in Fire Table | Lid closes the burner | Aluminum cover included | $2,063.83 |
See more covers, guards and burners on our HPC Fire brand page.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to have a fire pit with kids?
Yes, with an adult watching the whole time, a marked no go zone, and a rule that nobody touches the pit until it has cooled.
Does a fire pit wind guard keep children safe?
No. It protects the flame from wind, is too low to act as a barrier, and its glass gets hot.
Do I need a fire pit spark screen for a gas fire pit?
Usually not. Spark screens are for wood fires. Gas pits benefit more from a burner cover, a timer and a removable key.
What if my dog eats fire glass or lava rock?
Call your veterinarian right away. ASPCA Animal Poison Control is also available at (888) 426-4435.
Questions about a spark screen, burner cover or timer? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight; orders below that ship for a $200 flat rate. See our return and refund policy.
