Florida Fire Pit Accidents
Many people will spend time by the fire. In most cases, fire pits and fireplaces offer peace, relaxation, warmth, and more. However, fire is dangerous, and as a result, fire pits can also be quite dangerous.
Each year, many people in Florida and other states end up injured while using a fire pit. If you or a loved one has been injured caused by a fire pit accident, you will want to talk with a lawyer. You may be owed compensation, especially if the injury resulted from another person’s actions or negligence. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore can discuss with you any injuries or damages resulting from a fire pit accident.
Common Causes of Fire Pit Accidents
Accidents from fire pits can happen in various ways. Some common causes of these accidents include:
Lack of supervision
One of the most common causes of fire-pit accidents is leaving the fire unattended. A spark only takes a few seconds to fly out of the fire pit and ignite nearby flammable materials.
Improper placement
Fire pits should be placed on level ground, away from overhanging branches, fences, and other flammable materials. Improper placement of the fire pit can lead to out-of-control fires, which can result in injuries.
Damage from a fire-pit accident or similar event can also spread well beyond the initial property. A neighbor may have hosted a bonfire that burned out of control. The fire may have spread from their property to your property. It may have then damaged your home, vehicles, or something else in its path.
Use of flammable liquids
Many people use gasoline, lighter fluid, or other flammable liquids to start a fire. These liquids can ignite suddenly and cause severe burns or even an explosion. If someone was using flammable materials while using a fire pit, it might increase their culpability.
In December 2022, a mother of five died, and her 11-year-old son was severely injured, while using a fire pit. In this case, the mother was using gasoline.
Overloading the fire pit
Overloading the fire pit with too much wood or other materials can cause the flames to get out of control and spread quickly. If someone overloaded a fire pit, they might be liable for any injuries or damages that then resulted. This is true even if they had no bad intentions.
Failure to extinguish the fire properly
Fires should be extinguished completely before leaving the fire pit. Hot embers can remain hidden and reignite later, causing accidents. A family camping out in the woods or elsewhere might set up a fire in the evening to cook food on. However, if they do not put the fire out properly and then go to bed, it could cause an uncontrolled fire to start and spread.
It is essential to follow proper safety precautions and use common sense to prevent accidents with fire pits. Always supervise the fire, use proper fire-starting materials, and ensure adequate ventilation. Also, be sure to extinguish the fire completely and dispose of the ashes safely.
If someone failed to use a fire pit properly and you were injured, you may have legal recourse. It is wise to contact an attorney to discuss your case.
Children and Fire Safety
Fire pits started or maintained without proper safety measures can be especially dangerous for children. Children are naturally curious and may be drawn to the warmth and flames of a fire pit. Therefore, it is important to supervise children closely when they are around a fire pit. If someone fails to supervise children around a fire pit, they may be liable for injuries. We encourage you to seek advice and assistance from Tampa personal injury attorneys.
Safety tips for children:
- Encourage children to keep a safe distance from the fire pit and not to touch the flames or embers.
- Teach children about fire safety and the potential dangers of fire pits.
- Ensure that children do not throw anything into the fire pit, such as rocks, sticks, or flammable materials.
- Do not allow children to play near the fire pit.
- Always supervise children when they are around the fire pit, even if they are just toasting marshmallows.
If you or your child was injured by an exploding fire pit, an out-of-control fire, a simply a failure to provide needed supervision, it is wise to seek a Tampa personal injury lawyer. Contact Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore today for a consultation.
