Family Bonfire Safety Tips

Cool evenings, cozy blankets, sticky s’mores, and laughter around the fire — a backyard bonfire is one of the best ways to make memories with family and friends. But before you grab the marshmallows, it’s important to set the stage for a safe night everyone can enjoy. At Iron Ridge Contracting, we’re all about creating outdoor spaces where family fun meets peace of mind. Here are a few bonfire and deck safety tips to keep your gatherings both safe and memorable:

1. Pick the Perfect Spot

• Set up your fire pit at least 25 feet away from your home, deck, or play areas.

• Look up! Make sure there aren’t any low-hanging branches above your fire.

2. Use the Right Fire Pit

• A built-in fire pit or a sturdy metal ring works best.

• Never build fires directly on grass or wooden decks — sparks and embers can damage surfaces or ignite flames.

• If your deck has a built-in fire feature, always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.

3. Burn What Belongs

• Stick to dry, seasoned wood for a steady, safe fire.

• Skip the trash, cardboard, or treated lumber. (They release harmful fumes.)

• And please — no gasoline! Starting small is safer and easier.

4. Family Rules Around the Fire

• Create a “safety circle” — a few feet around the fire where only adults are allowed.

• Teach kids to walk, not run, near the fire.

• Keep chairs, games, and snack tables a safe distance away.

• If hosting on or near a deck, use fire-resistant mats under furniture and check railings to ensure sparks can’t drift onto them.

5. Be Ready with Backups

• Always have water, sand, or a garden hose within arm’s reach.

• When the fun’s over, fully douse the fire. Stir the ashes and pour again until everything’s cool.

• On decks, double-check that embers haven’t fallen between boards or near skirting.

6. Double-Check the Forecast

• Windy nights and bonfires don’t go together.

• Check local burn bans before lighting up.

Nick’s Tip: Why Oak is the Best Wood for Bonfires

The best wood to burn for bonfires is Oak, which is a hardwood. Here’s why:

• Dense & Long-Lasting Oak is much denser than softwoods like pine or cedar. That density means it burns longer and more steadily, giving you hours of warmth without constantly feeding the fire.

• Hotter Flame Because it’s slow-burning, oak produces a hotter, more consistent flame — perfect for keeping a group warm on cool nights and roasting those s’mores evenly.

• Low Smoke & Sparks Unlike softer woods, oak produces less smoke and fewer sparks. That’s especially important if you’re burning near a deck or seating area, since fewer stray embers = safer, cleaner fire.

• Seasoned to Perfection When properly dried (“seasoned”), oak has low moisture content, which makes it easier to light and helps it burn cleaner without the crackling pops that come from sap-filled softwoods.

Final Thought

Bonfires are about connection — telling stories, making s’mores, and staying warm together. A few simple precautions can ensure your backyard (and your deck!) stays a place for fun, laughter, and family traditions — without any close calls.

At Iron Ridge Contracting, we love designing outdoor spaces that make nights like these possible — safe, welcoming, and built for memories.