Barrel Firing - Risks and Precautions

Open Fire Risk: Pit firing involves open flames, which can spread if not properly contained. The area around the pit will be cleared of dry leaves, grass and combustible materials before lighting the fire.

Maintain Safe Distance: The barrel is placed at least 3 metres from buildings, fences, trees and other flammable structures.

This firing will use safe fuels such as untreated dry wood, avoiding pressure-treated wood, plastics or general waste.

Fire Prevention tools such as buckets of water and sand are at hand.

Monitor the Fire: The fire will not be left unattended at any stage and fully extinguished with water and sand when finished.

Essential Safety Precautions

• Keep a water source, buckets of water, or a shovel nearby to extinguish unwanted fires.

• Wear heat-resistant gloves and eye protection when handling hot materials or looking into the pit.

• Never use treated wood or materials that can release toxic fumes.

• Do not store flammable materials near the pit area.

• Only fire in suitable weather conditions—avoid windy days to prevent fire spread.

• Allow the pit to cool completely before removing pottery to avoid burns.