Badge - Rated by Super Lawyers Victor A. Rotolo
Badge - Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Badge - Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forums
Badge - New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Attorney
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Badge - New Jersey's Best Lawyers For Families 2018
Badge - Rated by Super Lawyers
Badge - AV Preeminent Victor A. Rotolo
Badge - Client Champion Gold 2020
Badge - Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce
Please click Award & Selection Criteria & Methodology for information regarding the specific criteria used for selection of each of the above awards.

September 2020 - Fire Pit Safety Tips

Fire Pit Many of us canceled vacation plans this year due to virus-related travel restrictions and, instead, turned our backyards into our own private resorts. If your idea of a vacation resort includes a fire pit, take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe experience for yourself, your family, and your friends.

The first step – check with your municipality regarding the local regulations on fire pits and open burning. Also, heed all “no-burn” alerts issued by your local authorities. These alerts usually are necessitated by weather conditions that increase fire risk.

A general rule for placement of your fire pit is to keep it at least 10 to 20 feet away from existing structures, fences, plants, and your neighbors’ properties. Be mindful of overhanging trees and never place a fire pit in a partially enclosed space, including under building overhangs. Sit portable fire pits (a.k.a. chimineas) on pavement, brick, metal or other level, fire-resistance surface and surround permanent fire pits with non-combustible materials (crushed stone, sand). Flying embers can ignite wood and grass surfaces.

A few other safety precautions:

  • Check wind direction before lighting; sit downwind away from smoke
  • Never use flammable liquids to start your fire
  • Use only well-seasoned wood, preferably hardwoods like hickory or oak; softwoods (birch, pine) will crackle and spark more, increasing the risk of flying embers and construction wood (i.e., composite wood or plywood) can emit toxic fumes
  • Keep logs smaller than three-quarters of the diameter of your fire pit
  • Use just enough fuel for gently burning fire – store extra firewood a safe distance from the fire pit
  • Avoid burning paper, which can spark and throw embers
  • Arrange seating to allow free movement around the fire without risk of falling; built-in or heavy seats are harder to move
  • Use a fire screen
  • Keep a water- or sand-filled bucket, hose, or fire extinguisher close by
  • Extinguish your fire according to the fire pit manufacturer’s directions
  • Have a phone handy for emergencies

Taking a little extra care to prevent injuries and property damage can result in fun experiences and lasting memories. Stay safe!

What Our Clients are Saying
★★★★★

The absolute BEST!!! I have a family of attorneys but needed someone local. Victor was recommended to me and words cannot describe how pleased I was with his firm. The outstanding service and attention each member of his staff gave to me surpassed any and all expectations. Victor surrounds himself with a hardworking team that he leads. I felt it was money spent wisely. I will continue to recommend Victor and his associates.

- Stephanie
★★★★★

Mr. Rotolo has helped me numerous times in legal matters and has continued to support and help me through countless hardships. He is dedicated to providing the best service and is a true professional. I will continue to consult with him regarding any legal issues in the future. He is a respectable, hardworking, kind hearted man and I would recommend his legal services to anyone.

- Matthew
★★★★★

I am an attorney and have practiced law for 26 years. I hired Vic to handle a very difficult family matter because I do not handle family law. Vic was extremely competent and obtained a result far beyond my expectations. Without his counsel my son's and family's life would have been changed forever. Thank you Vic for your good lawyering. I very much appreciate the personal attention and time dedicated to this matter. I highly recommend Vic.

- Anthony
★★★★★

We recently had a situation where we needed to hire an attorney. We selected Kearns Rotolo Law and I can honestly say that we were above and beyond satisfied with Vic and his team. We would absolutely recommend this firm to anyone should the need arise. We blindly picked the firm out of the phone book because I liked his ad. Now I believe that God was pointing us in the right direction. Thank you Vic and Kearns Rotolo Law for being there for us in our time of need.

- Kim
★★★★★

Victor's expertise, due diligence, and empathy for his client made my first experience with the law (and last) a non-stressful one. Before the case, I did my research and looked over about 20 lawyers before choosing Victor. All my sources pointed to him as the best and they weren't off even a bit. Victor treated my case like it was his own and kept me up to date with all my appointments, breakthroughs in the case, and guided me step through step in a process that I never thought that I had to come to endure. If Victor's not available Susy will go out of her way to take care you. The productivity and efficiency in that office is second to none. Thank you Victor!

- Michael