Fire pits can enhance back yard, family time
Experts say a fire pit is a trend towards style and entertainment.
MetroCreative
There is still plenty of nice weather left to enjoy a fire pit, whether it be in the back yard or in a remote camp site.
Summer nights in your backyard can become a little more exciting with the addition of a fire pit.
One of the fastest-rising trends for outdoor entertaining, a fire pit can be a stylish way for people to enjoy an outdoor fire.
“Glowing with the comfort of a traditional campfire’s heat and ambience, fire pits come in a variety of designs and are highly popular due to their portability, beauty, and convenience,” noted the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association on its website.
“Fire pits create a campfire atmosphere by radiating heat in a complete circle, while serving as the centerpiece of conversation and entertainment with friends and family.”
In fact, fire pits were the most popular outdoor design element in the 2018 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
And the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals noted on its website, “In terms of exterior design, although fire pits have been around a long time, over the past few years we’ve seen a dramatic uptick in their use in both residential and commercial settings, along with outdoor fireplaces and fire bowls.”
Fire pits range in price as well as style. You can purchase one or build your own. Some are shaped like rings, others like bowls or baskets, and there are some fashioned like a table.
There’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy a fire pit and the upcoming fall weather means a fire pit can enhance a social gathering as weather starts to turn cooler.
Just remember safety precautions.
Noting most people are attentive to fire pits when using them, A.J. Boni, of Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, and president of the Fayette County Firemen’s Association, said, “We haven’t seen any problems with them in our area.”
The U.S. Fire Administration offers some safety suggestions:
Make sure the fire pit is at least three feet away from your home and anything that can burn.
Boni said, “I don’t know if there’s a right answer about how far away but the further the better.
Use a metal screen over wood-burning fires to keep sparks from floating out.
Boni said, “It’s always nice to have a fire extinguisher handy, too.”
As for where to place your fire pit, Boni said don’t put it on grass.
“You want to make sure it’s away from anything flammable,” Boni said.
Closely watch children when the fire pit is in use. Store matches and lighters out of children’s sight and reach.
And remember to turn off or put out fires before you leave the backyard.
Boni said, “When you’re done, extinguish it. Mix the embers up and dose them in a bucket of water.”
Use common sense and your fire pit can provide you with many enjoyable nights outdoors and a way to make wonderful memories in your own backyard.