chiminea in garden

Safety in the garden this summer

We all love Summer, the longer days, the (hopefully) sunny weather and the opportunity to enjoy much more time outside than in the colder, darker months.

You can’t beat a sunny gathering in the garden with friends and family or sitting outside perhaps enjoying a glass of wine as the sun goes down and the day draws to a close.

We don’t want to discourage anyone from enjoying their garden at this time of year but thought we would share some helpful safety advice to help keep your summer safe.

Chimineas are a popular garden feature and a great way to create an attractive focal point as well as allowing you to stay out longer on summer evenings once the temperature starts to drop.

Firstly, it is far safer to use a chiminea than to sit around an open fire. This is because the chiminea contains most of the flames so nearby items are less likely to accidentally catch fire. But they do still generate heat and flames so can be dangerous if not used correctly.

The next time you use your chiminea please take a few minutes to consider the following:

  • Never, ever use petrol or any other type of chemical to get your fire started. We recommend kindling to get the fire going, then gradually adding larger pieces of wood.
  • Before even thinking about lighting the chiminea take the time to make sure that it is in a safe location. Do not put it too close to your home, shed, trees or any other structure and never place it on decking. Also make sure that it is on a flat surface and is secure on its stand to minimise the risk of it tipping over.
  • Be especially aware of children and always keep them at a safe distance, the same applies to any pets. Don’t forget the adults either – make sure they are aware of the fire and that any physical or ball games are taking place a safe distance away.
  • Remember that the chiminea is designed for small fires. Do not overload it otherwise there is a risk of flames coming out either the top or the mouth.
  • We mentioned above enjoying a glass of wine in the garden, but on a serious note, if you are drinking a lot of alcohol, we’d recommend leaving the chiminea unlit and saving it for another day. You need to be fit to react quickly and safely in case of an accident.
  • At the end of the evening don’t leave the chiminea burning when you go inside. Make sure it is properly extinguished before leaving it unattended.

Wishing you a safe and happy summer.