| Largely popular in urban areas that have | | | | AVAILABLE STYLES |
| small outdoor spaces, fire pits allow you to | | | | |
| create a relaxing outdoor gathering space | | | | Fire pits come in three standard forms |
| with the ability to cook small amounts of | | | | including rings, pits and tables. What you |
| food while providing a warm central focal | | | | need depends on your available space, the |
| point for your conversation areas. | | | | type of social gatherings you generally have |
| | | | (including the number of people typically |
| SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS | | | | present) and whether you need additional |
| | | | table space for holding utensils or food. The |
| 1. Be sure you're using the fire pit in a | | | | rings give more of a campfire feel and are |
| location far away from anything flammable. | | | | only allowed in areas that don't have rules |
| This means avoiding trees, deck awnings and | | | | against open burning of fires. Fire pits as a |
| potted plants. You'll also want to consider | | | | rule are more sophisticated that rings and |
| the general moisture of the ground around | | | | allow the fire to be contained better. They |
| you. If you haven't had a rainfall lately | | | | can be used on patios. Fire pit tables are |
| consider applying a light spray of water | | | | just fire pits inside a table, which gives |
| around the area and stay away from very dry | | | | you the option to have people eat around it |
| grasses. | | | | almost in fondue style with their own mini |
| | | | barbecue in the middle. Chimineas are another |
| 2. Be careful not to overload your fire pit | | | | option that look like small fireplaces. They |
| with too much wood. Overloading will allow | | | | have a small chimney coming out the top for |
| the flames to reach too high, potentially | | | | smoke. |
| burning your guests or getting out of control | | | | |
| and spreading beyond the confines of the pit | | | | Regardless of the style you choose please be |
| itself. Be sure you avoid pressure treated | | | | sure to read the directions on the proper |
| wood as those emit dangerous fumes which | | | | setup and use to prevent fires from |
| could be toxic to your family. | | | | spreading. |
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