• Keep fire pit at least 10 feet (25 feet is preferable) from any structure
• Do not position fire pit under a porch or low hanging tree branch
• Always place fire pit on a non-flammable surface such as a patio block or concrete
• The fire pit should be at least 6 inches deep at the center and 2 feet across, to help keep the embers and flames contained
• If it is too windy, do not light your fire pit
• Do not use lighter fluid or gasoline to light a fire pit; instead, a commercial fire starter stick with kindling on top is ideal
• Never leave a fire pit unattended
• Always have a shovel and water nearby to extinguish any escaped flames or to put out the fire
• Dispose of the ashes in a safe manner; keep a metal can that is used solely for ash storage which can take 2-3 days to be fully extinguished
—Submitted by the Hicksville Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners
