Fire Pit ideas, rules and safety tips for the perfect backyard campfire

Fire pits are a great addition to your outdoors. The simple yet effective structure is perfect to gather around, especially on a chilly winter evening. Besides keeping you warm, the right fire pit can enhance the overall ambience of the outdoor space.

Fire pits come in various sizes, and shapes and are made of different materials. Depending on their type, you can also use them for cooking, roasting marshmallow or just to derive some entertainment.

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While the advantages of a properly constructed fire pit are plenty, your safety matters the most. Therefore, you ought to know the local laws and regulations while considering a fire pit for your outdoor space.

Tables of contents

• Fire Pit Ideas 
• How to choose the right fire pit
• Common backyard fire pit laws and regulations
• 8 fire pit safety tips
• How to properly extinguish the fire
• Creative and practical uses of fire pits

Fire Pit Ideas

Fire pits are generally safe if children or pets aren’t left unsupervised around them. Keeping the fire low and knowing when to set the flame off is key to safety.

While the commercially available lightweight metal fire pits are easier to move around and assemble, they can be built from scratch too.

However, the DIY fire pit ideas are better pursued by those who can handle weights as concrete paver kits are fairly heavy.

You should also consider your heat source and smoke factor while purchasing or building a fire pit. Some prefer using crackling wood fire, and don’t mind the smoke and ash it creates.

However, most modern outdoor fire pits are smokeless with features such as an air switch and wheels to move around easier.

There are also fire pits that operate on a switch. All you have to do is flip it to instantly set fire to the wood. Some fire pits use gas as the heat source, which is much easier to turn on and off.

You can consider using fire pit ring inserts for additional safety. The metal liner helps contain the fire and prevent sparks and ashes from escaping. These are especially handy if you have children or pets around the fire pit.

Luckily, there’s a variety of fire pit designs and ideas to match individual needs. These outdoor structures can be categorised into various types such as:

Smokeless light-weight metal fire pit

Whether you want to have a tea party with your pals or simply play your favourite instrument into the evening’s cold, the 27-inch smokeless fire pit by GARVEE is just the addition your outdoor space needs.

The durable steel and easy-to-clean kit is perfect for backyard camping. It offers a 360° for warmth for small gatherings and comes with a portable steel stand for safety.

You don’t have to worry about inhaling toxic fumes thanks to its smokeless and efficient burning.

Fire bowls

Typically made of stone or concrete, fire bowls can enhance the appeal of your outdoor space, as well as provide warmth and act as a heat source for cooking.

You can choose different types of fire bowls depending on their purpose – warmth and ambience, clean burning and less ash, portability etc.

Fire pit tables

Fire pit tables are a more contemporary structure, best to use in your garden, by the pool or patio.  They are made from materials such as concrete, metal, stone and even wood, with an enhanced appearance.

Furthermore, fire pit tables come with wind guards and adjustable flame options. Moreover, these aren’t just decorative, but also highly functional with additional storage space.

Fire pit rings

Fire pit rings are another popular option, known for their durability and portability. Built from steel, concrete or stones, these are aesthetically appealing and serve different purposes.

Whether you want to decorate your patio or instantly create warmth on a cold evening, you can count on fire pit rings.

As well as the ease with which they can be moved around, fire pit rings also need little maintenance. Metal fire pit rings are usually coated with high-temperature paint to withstand the heat created by any source.

The traditional concrete and stone fire pit rings are easy to handle, although they are highly resistant to challenging weather. If you’re looking for convenience over and ambience, we recommend gas fire pit rings – stylish and efficient.

They are sourced by natural gas lines, producing clean flames. Most fire pit rings are foldable and lightweight, making them easy to transport. They are perfect for backyard camping or just as temporary setups.

Built-in Fire Pits

Built-in fire pits are permanent and often fueled with gas or wood. These can be customized to complement your outdoor space.

While built-in fire pits made from metal come in various designs and are known for their durability, the ones made of stone or concrete create a rustic look.

There are also clay fire pits, which are traditional looking and require low maintenance. However, clay is prone to damage in extreme temperatures as they aren’t weather-resistant.

How to choose the right fire pit

Several factors need to be considered when it comes to investing in a fire pit – where, when and how you intend to use it, among other purposes.

Type of heat source

Wood-burning fire pits are ideal for classic campfires and don’t cost you much. However, they create a lot of smoke and need regular clean-ups.

If you’re still keen on purchasing a wood-burning fire pit but don’t want to inhale irritating smoke, GARVEE has a portable smokeless fire pit with a stand for just $133.99.

However, fire pits which use natural gas or propane don’t create smoke and are easy to ignite and control. However, these heat sources do not produce heat as high as wood.

Gel fuel fire pits are most suitable for smaller spaces without safety concerns. They are easy to use, and clean and don’t create smoke, ash or odour. But these can be expensive to install, costlier than other alternatives and lack the authentic feel of a traditional fire pit.

Size and location

One-size-fits-all doesn’t work with fire pits. It depends on community safety guidelines, your location and if your choice of fire pits adheres to local rules and regulations.

Small or medium-sized portable fire pits made of metal or steel are best recommended for patios or decks. A backyard can hold a larger wood or gas pit works.

As apartment residences must follow stricter rules surrounding fire pits, propane or gel fuel fire pits are best placed on balconies.

As a thumb rule, fire pits must always be at least 10-20 feet away from structures and overhanging branches. In some places such as New York, they shouldn’t be closer than 15 feet from the house or trees.

Material

While steel, cast iron and copper fire pits are stylish, they aren’t as durable as the ones made of stone or concrete.

Steel fire pits can be made rust-resistant if power coated and iron fire pits can retain heat well. The only major setback of a copper fire pit is its discolouration over time.

Budget and key features

Fire pits are available in different cost ranges. Wood burning fire pits cost you the lowest, followed by fire pits fuelled by gel. However, the remains of burnt wood require constant cleaning and the gel has a low heat output.

If you’re looking for a permeant fire pit and don’t mind paying extra, consider ones that use natural gas. Available in mid-range are propane fire pits, which are easy to use too.

Regardless of the price, fire pits come with key features unique to each type. For instance, nothing can create an ambience like a wood-burning fire pit. Whereas, propane and natural gas barely need any maintenance.

Common backyard fire pit laws and regulations

It’s not enough if you’ve bought a new portable fire pit or designed a DIY concrete fire pit with your family, as following safety rules take priority.

As explained earlier, fire pits are not suitable for all houses and some communities require special permits to have these installed in your space.

Without getting ahead of yourself, first check the local city, county or Homeowners Association rules related to fire pits to ensure you are following the code.

In certain communities, it’s mandatory to have your space inspected by local fire officials. If the local law is specific about smoke pollution and has stipulations regarding the same, smokeless fire pits are better suited in this scenario.

Other than building the fire pit away from structures and hanging branches, certain homeowner associations require that the fire be set under the supervision of an adult the entire time it’s burning.

Furthermore, the unpredictability of the weather in certain regions, such as high or shifting winds, can prohibit fire pits altogether as they pose a great risk to neighbouring properties.

8 fire pit safety tips

You’ve found the right spot, procured the permit and bought a stylish multipurpose fire pit – now what? There are numerous safety measures for you to consider before getting the party started.

1. Check the weather – Always ensure you don’t light a fire pit when it’s breezy. The wind tends to carry sparks, increasing the risk of fire hazards.
 
2. Prepare for emergencies – No matter how prepared and mindful you are, fire accidents are unpredictable. So, it’s advised to have certain essentials handy, such as first aid kid, fire extinguisher, sand, bucket of water etc. Also, be prepared with contacts for emergency services if the fire gets out of control.
 
3. Start small - Always start with a small fire and gradually increase the flame, as it allows you better control over the fire and avoids accidents.
 
4. Keep children and pets away – It’s of utmost importance to keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the fire pit. A large number of paediatric burns from outdoor fires result from unsupervised children tripping over fire pits, bonfires or campfires.
 
5. Keep the flames contained – Someone must contain the flames at all times when the fire pit is burning. Unregulated flames are a recipe for fire disasters.
 
6 . Pick good tools – As all fire pits expect gas need re-fill and manoeuvring of the heat source, ensure you have good tools to perform the task.
 
7. Provide adequate light – The light from the fire pit alone isn’t enough for proper visibility at night. Many accidents can be prevented by ensuring your yard has good lighting. However, we recommend using low-intensity string lights to add to the mood of the fire pit.
 
8. Never use accelerants – It’s a common yet highly dangerous practice to use gasoline, lighter fluids or other sources as accelerants, but these can be hazardous.

How to properly extinguish the fire

Most fire pit accidents are caused by unattended flames and fires that aren’t extinguished completely.  There are many ways to set it off.

Let it burn down naturally – You can let the fire burn down naturally to ashes. This also reduces the risk of lingering embers.

Spread the embers – Spreading the embers within the fire pit using tools such as a shovel helps cool them down sooner.

Douse with water – You can also extinguish the fire by pouring water over the embers. Start from the sides and work your way to the centre.

Sand – Sand is also effective in killing fire. If you can’t find sand, covering embers with a generous amount of dirt blocks the oxygen, thus lighting the fire off.

Check for hot spots – Hold your hand a few inches over the embers to identify any hot spots using the lingering heat.

Ensure you have stored the embers away until they are fully cooled down as stepping on them can cause severe burns.

Creative and practical uses of fire pits

Other than warmth and ambience, fire pits boast multiple practical uses. For instance, they are classic for roasting marshmallows during small gatherings; you can cook hot dogs over the open flames; grill burgers, steaks and veggies or even boil water.

They are great emergency backups in case of a power outage. They act as a brilliant source of light for outdoor settings.

Fire pits are also effective in keeping pests and insects at bay. You can create natural repellent by adding herbs like sage or citronella to the fire.

Fire pits during backyard camping or house parties are highly entertaining as people gather around it share their stories play music or just chat away into the cold night.