How to safely use corten steel fire bowls?

A corten steel fire bowl makes your garden cozy and provides extra warmth on cool evenings. To enjoy it carefree, it is important to use fire bowls safely. By placing them on a stable surface, lighting them correctly, and extinguishing them properly, you prevent accidents or fire hazards.

In this blog, you will read how to do this best, so you can enjoy a cozy fire without worries.

Summary

• Always place fire bowls on a sturdy surface and keep a safe distance from flammable materials.
• Use fire starters or dry tinder to safely light fire bowls.
• Keep the fire burning well by blowing on it, using a bellows or fan, and adding dry, small kindling.
• Always have extinguishing agents on hand and never leave a burning fire bowl unattended.

How to place fire bowls safely?

The right location for your fire bowl is important to prevent dangerous situations. If you don’t place the bowl correctly, it can tip over and damage the ground or other materials nearby.

Choose a suitable location

Place the fire bowl on a flat, sturdy surface that withstands heat, such as stone, tiles, or concrete. This prevents the bowl from tipping over or the surface from being damaged by heat. Wooden surfaces, grass, or other flammable materials are less suitable as they can catch fire.

Ensure that the fire bowl is far enough from flammable materials, such as plants, furniture, and fences.

Ensure ventilation

Make sure there is enough air reaching the fire bowl. If the fire bowl is too enclosed, the smoke will linger and the flames may suffocate. Therefore, do not place the fire bowl under a canopy or close to a roof.

How can you safely light fire bowls?

Want to use a fire bowl? Make sure you light it the right way. The wrong method can not only be dangerous but also harmful to your health.

Do’s

• Use fire starters: These blocks are safe and specifically designed to allow the fire to burn in a controlled manner.
• Use lead-free matches or a lighter with dry tinder: For example, combine dry grass, small twigs, and dry leaves. This helps to start a small fire without sudden flames.
• Choose the right type of wood: Dry wood, such as oak or beech, provides an even and good burn.
• Stack the wood according to the ‘Log Cabin’ method: To get the fire going smoothly, build a wood stack with small kindling and tinder in the center and larger logs around it.

Don’ts

• Do not use gasoline or other volatile fuels: These substances are very dangerous as they burn explosively and cause uncontrolled flames.
• Do not use wet or green wood: It doesn't burn well and produces a lot of smoke.
• Do not burn plastic or synthetic materials: The fumes released are harmful to both your health and the environment.

How can you safely stoke and feed the fire in fire bowls?

Once the fire is burning, it is important to maintain it the right way. Below you will read how to do this best:

Do’s

• Gently blow at the fire: By adding a little oxygen at the base of the fire, you help smoldering wood or tinder ignite faster.
• Use a fan or bellows: This allows you to better control the amount of air and prevents the fire from suffocating.
• Add dry, small kindling: This strengthens the fire without suffocating it. Preferably use natural materials, such as birch bark.

Don’ts

• Do not blow or fan too hard: This can extinguish the fire or spread ash and sparks, which can be dangerous. Use a metal spark screen if it is very windy.
• Do not use wet or too large logs: This smothers the fire and causes smoke.
• Do not burn unhealthy materials, such as plastic or wood containing paint: These materials release toxic fumes and make the fire uncontrollable.

Precautions when using a corten steel fire bowl

To safely enjoy corten steel fire bowls, it is important to take a number of precautions:

• Always have a fire extinguisher, wet cloth, or bucket of water nearby. This allows you to act quickly if needed.
• Wear heat-resistant gloves when adding wood or moving the fire bowl.
• Use a fire plate to prevent damage to your terrace from heat.
• Always maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters from the fire bowl.
• Never leave a fire bowl burning unattended.
• Install a fence or barrier around the fire bowl and keep a close eye on children and pets.
• Ensure at least 3 meters distance from trees, shrubs, and other flammable materials.

How can you safely extinguish fire bowls?

By extinguishing the fire bowl the right way, you prevent damage and reduce smoke. There are various ways to do this safely:

• Water extinguishes the fire quickly but causes a lot of smoke and can damage corten steel fire bowls.
• Sand is a safe and quick way to extinguish the fire without creating heat differences that can cause damage.
• A fire extinguisher is mainly intended for emergencies. Make sure to use a suitable type, such as a CO2 extinguisher.

Conclusion

Corten steel fire bowls provide atmosphere and warmth in your garden, but it is important to always use them safely. By choosing a good location, using the right materials to light the fire, and taking precautions, you reduce the risk of dangerous situations. This way, you can safely enjoy a cozy fire in your garden.