There’s nothing better than curling up by a fire on a crisp, fall evening with family and friends and eating a round of s’mores. Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces are among the most popular design features for outdoor living spaces. With those cool designs comes responsibility, though. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, at least 5,300 injuries related to fire pits were treated in 2017. Many of those were children under the age of 5. To enjoy a nice family evening, keep in mind these safety tips to ensure your and your family’s safety.

Picking the right site for your fire pit is essential. Keep fires at least 10 to 20 feet away from plants and other buildings and always place the pit in an open area. Be sure to surround your fire pit with materials such as crushed stone, brick, or sand. Never place them directly on grass or a wooden deck.

Choose firewood that has been seasoned for at least six months, like oak or hickory. Put the lighter fluid aside when starting the fire and use matches and kindling techniques to get the fire going.