A fire pit is now one of the most requested features when it comes to commissioning a residential landscaping project. And why not? Fire pits look great, they provide a great focus for outdoor social gatherings and they even allow those who live in colder climates to enjoy hanging out outdoors just a few weeks longer as they provide just enough warmth to keep fall chills away.
A fire pit can be a safety hazard though, if it is not used properly and supervised carefully.

When you are choosing the location for a new fire pit for the sake of safety it should never be located any closer than ten feet away from another structure (such as your home itself) You should also check the local ordinances before you have a fire pit built as some communities have burn bans that prohibit the use of fire pits.

The best way to start your fire is to either use a twisted piece of newspaper or a store bought fire starter stick, covering it with just a few small sticks. As the fire begins to catch you can add larger pieces of wood. Whatever you do though do not be tempted to use gasoline or lighter fluid to start the fire, that is far too dangerous, even if you only add a “small amount”

When you are headed inside it is important to make sure that the fire in your fire pit is out. The best way to extinguish your fire is to take a handful of ashes, throw them onto the fire and then add a small amount of water. Do not walk away until you are sure the fire is out though as it could flare up at night when no one is around to see what is going on.