State Fire Marshal Warns of Indoor Fire Pit Hazards and S'mores Risks
STATEWIDE (January 2, 2025) - As the winter season brings families together for cozy gatherings, indoor fire pits have become an increasingly popular addition to homes looking to recreate the warmth and ambiance of an outdoor campfire. However, Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray is urging caution when using these devices indoors, especially when preparing a beloved treat—s'mores—over an open flame.
Indoor Fire Pit Hazards:
While indoor fire pits can create a charming atmosphere, they pose significant risks. The main concern involves flame jetting, a dangerous phenomenon when refilling alcohol- or liquid-fuel-burning fire pits while any flame remains.
"Flame jetting happens when the fuel source, often alcohol-based, is added to the fire pit and vaporizes, causing a burst of flame to jet out of the pit," said Mowbray. "If any open flame is nearby during refueling, the vapor can ignite explosively, leading to serious burns, property damage, or even fatalities. This is especially dangerous in indoor settings where confined spaces compound the risks."
Three reported incidents involving indoor fire pits in Maryland have occurred in the past few months. Earlier this week, investigators with the Anne Arundel County Fire & Explosive Investigation Unit reported that an adult female and a nine-year-old child had both suffered burns as a result of the fire. While the adult was treated on the scene, the child was transported to the Pediatric Burn Center and Johns Hopkins Children's Center with severe burns.
S'mores Safety Concerns:
The festive tradition of roasting marshmallows over fire pits to make s'mores is also at risk. In particular, the proximity of children and guests to the flame increases the likelihood of burns or accidental fires. With rising indoor fire pit sales, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reported two deaths and dozens of serious burn injuries.
Preventing Fire Pit Accidents:
To minimize the dangers associated with indoor fire pits and enjoy s'mores safely, the Office of the State Fire Marshal recommends the following precautions:
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Always extinguish the flame before refueling – Ensure the flame is completely out when refilling a liquid-fuel fire pit. Let the fire pit cool for several minutes to avoid the risk of flame jetting.
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Use safe fuels—Only use fuels specifically recommended for indoor fire pits. Avoid alcohol-based fuels unless specified for indoor use, and opt for safer alternatives like gel fuels.
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Keep children and pets at a safe distance – An adult should always monitor fire pits. Keep children and pets away from the flame, and be cautious when roasting marshmallows.
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Proper ventilation – Always ensure the room is well-ventilated when using an indoor fire pit to prevent the buildup of harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Never leave a fire pit unattended.
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Install a smoke and carbon monoxide detector. A reliable detector system is essential for early detection of hazardous gas buildup.
"The recent incidents in Maryland, including the serious injury of a child, underscore the importance of following safety guidelines to prevent tragic accidents. By taking proper precautions, families can safely enjoy their fire pits and ensure that their gatherings remain fun and accident-free," stated Mowbray
For more information on safe fire pit use, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Stop Using Alcohol or Other Liquid-Burning Fire Pits.
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The
Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of
State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and
explosion through a comprehensive program of education,
inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more
information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: Maryland State Fire Marshal and/or our Facebook Page.
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