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