Bonfire Safety Tips for Autumn: Protecting Your Home from Fire Hazards

September 20, 2024

As cooler nights and autumn weather roll in, many families embrace the season by gathering around backyard bonfires. While bonfires can be a great way to enjoy the crisp air, they also pose significant fire risks, particularly to your home and property. Taking a few precautions now can save you from filing costly insurance claims down the road.

Why Bonfire Safety Matters: Protect Your Home and Property

Property damage caused by outdoor fires can be devastating. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), outdoor fires, including bonfires, contribute to many home fires each year. As your trusted insurance advisor, it’s crucial to highlight that even a small bonfire can spark large fires, leading to costly repairs or, worse, the loss of your home.

Understanding Homeowners Insurance and Fire Coverage

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by fires, but prevention is always better than a claim. Not only does fire safety reduce your risk of property damage, but it can also help keep your homeowners insurance premiums affordable. Frequent claims, especially for preventable incidents like bonfires, may lead to increased rates or difficulty finding coverage.

To protect both your home and your insurance policy, here are some essential bonfire safety tips that can minimize fire hazards and keep you from needing to file an insurance claim.

Essential Bonfire Safety Tips

Choose a Safe Location for Your Bonfire: The first step in bonfire safety is selecting an appropriate location. Always set up your fire pit at least 25 feet away from any structures, such as your house, garage, or shed. Make sure there are no flammable materials, including dry leaves or low-hanging branches, nearby. A fire that gets too close to your home could cause significant property damage, which could lead to an expensive insurance claim.
Create a Fire-Safe Zone: Before lighting a bonfire, clear away any debris in the area to create a safety buffer. Surround the fire with stones or bricks to help contain the flames. This simple step can prevent flying embers from reaching your home and igniting a blaze.
Use Clean, Dry Firewood: Always use clean, dry firewood to fuel your bonfire. Avoid burning trash, leaves, or treated wood, which can create dangerous sparks and lead to uncontrolled fires. Burning the wrong materials could also lead to liability issues if the fire spreads to a neighboring property.
Keep Water and a Fire Extinguisher Nearby: Having a water source, such as a garden hose or bucket of water, close at hand can make a significant difference if the fire gets out of control. Fire extinguishers are another excellent tool to have nearby, as they can quickly put out flames before they cause property damage or harm.
Supervise and Fully Extinguish the Fire: Never leave a bonfire unattended. A small gust of wind can carry embers to your home or nearby trees, quickly escalating into a full-blown fire. When the fire has burned out, make sure to completely extinguish it with water, stirring the ashes to ensure they’re fully cooled before leaving the area.
Be Mindful of Windy Conditions: Wind is one of the biggest culprits in turning a controlled bonfire into a disaster. Avoid lighting fires on windy days, as gusts can blow embers toward your home or neighboring properties, increasing the risk of property damage claims.

The Role of Homeowners Insurance in Fire Protection

It’s essential to review your homeowners insurance policy to understand what is and isn’t covered in the event of a fire. While most policies cover fire damage, neglecting bonfire safety could lead to denied claims if the damage is deemed preventable.

If a bonfire on your property causes damage to a neighbor’s home or yard, you could also be held liable for the repairs. Liability coverage within your homeowners policy typically handles these situations, but you should confirm your policy limits and adjust them if necessary. We recommend conducting a yearly policy review to ensure you have adequate coverage in place.

Fire Statistics: A Reminder to Stay Safe

To put things into perspective, consider these statistics:

According to the NFPA, there are over 10,000 outdoor fires reported to fire departments each year.
14% of home fire deaths are linked to outdoor fires, including bonfires.
In the fall and winter months, house fires spike due to increased outdoor fire activities, such as bonfires and fire pits.

By following basic bonfire safety precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of fire-related property damage and protect both your home and your homeowners insurance policy from costly claims.

Keep Your Home and Family Safe this Season

Our top priority is ensuring your home and family are safe. If you have any questions about your homeowners insurance coverage, or if you’re interested in discussing ways to improve your fire protection, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let’s work together to ensure you’re fully covered for any potential hazards this fall.

Stay safe, and enjoy your bonfires responsibly!

Sablich Insurance Group is licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.