Cool fall evenings naturally put our minds on the merits of bones-warming bonfires. And while many create cherished family memories and set the backdrop for festive community events, some end up in tragedy, with emergency room visits and property damage.

“Every season there are always the same preventable mistakes made that lead to injuries,” says attorney Kevin Henrichson. “Falling into the fire, using gasoline, adding fuel when you shouldn’t, failing to supervise children and consuming alcohol all raise the stakes of something bad happening.”

Ahead, experts walk through exactly what to do and not to do to stay safe while enjoying a bonfire.

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DO: Make Sure It’s Legal

Notify your local fire department of your plans and ask them for guidance concerning:

Whether you need a permit,

The minimum distance the bonfire can be from structures,

Fire size restrictions,

Whether brush can be burned, and

If there are temporary burn bans in effect due to fire danger or air…