In addition to my driveway project, I'd like to create a small campground type area in my back yard. I've done quite a bit of work digging up larger stumps but now the area is a bit overgrown. I am looking for advice on creating a firepit for this area. I'd like to be able to burn logs and have a decent size fire. I have a clearing above in between the trees that I think should be large enough for this to be safe (see picture). Any suggestions/links for tips on creating a firepit that will last me for a while and look nice? Thanks in advance.

 

Not a good place for a fire pit, because of all the adjacent trees and vegetation. When conditions are dry (about which you can't do anything to correct), sparks and embers will be carried everywhere, and are very likely to start a major fire. And it sometimes doesn't take much--just read in the paper that a woman up in Warm Springs, OR started a fire with some fireworks that ignited dry grass along the highway she was driving on, and the total cost to put out the blaze was $7.9 million.

I have to be blunt here--If you are well-heeled, then go for it. You'll easily be able to pay for the fire-fighting costs incurred by your fire pit.

 

bdge, somehow i don't think he spent much time in either boy scouts OR woods probably best he builds a gas-fired pit instead

 

I live in a small town in the north country where wood burning is common, yet the rules have become so strict that before I can burn some leaves I have to have the site inspected and approved by the fire department. Along with that is the form I must sign taking full financial responsibility should the fire department need to come out. Creating an open burn fire pit would require approval every time I strike a match, as visible smoke will generate numerous calls and if no permit was issued where they have a phone number to call first, they have to roll and someone has to pay.

If Bridge, stradry, and I haven't convinced you, talk to your home owners insurance to see what they say. A gas fire pit does indeed sound better.

Sorry, I also love an open fire, but I gave up more than 20 years ago and now we gather in the living room with a sealed combustion glass door wood stove. Unfortunately, no stars.

Bud

 

The first thing that you should do is actually talk to your local fire department and see what they say about it. There may be codes that prevent you from having an open fire like mentioned by earlier posters or there may not be. The only way to find out is to talk to the people that know for sure.

 

Thanks for the replies. The previous owner had a firepit about 25 feet from the house which was way too close. Any smoke from the fire blew right into the house (and the neighbors!). That is why I had considered this a better spot since it is much further away from any houses. I was under the impression if I built an actual firepit with brick, stone, etc it would keep any debris from blowing out. I trust the overwhelming opinions here though that this is a bad idea. It does stink to have 5 acres but no where to burn though!

 

If you talk to your local fire officials and see what they would require, with 5 acres it does seem like you should be able to create something. If I were to burn, one of my requirements would be to have a hose available so adding something like that along with what they want might work. Just get everyone's approval before moving forward. And enjoy.

Bud

 

Thanks again everyone. Would it be safe to use a small outdoor pit like this?

Hampton Bay Crossfire 29.50 in. Steel Fire Pit with Cooking Grate-25915 at The Home Depot

I would be placing it in the middle of the opening so no branches/leaves would be directly above it. I appreciate the responses; I fully agree that I would rather be safe than sorry so a big open fire is out of the question now.