This job may appeal to the loner creative types; writers, artists may want to seriously consider this. Great views and lots of alone time to think and create but you just can’ start a fire, instead you have to watch for them. Check out this video from Great Big Story to get a taste of what life is like on the mountaintop in fire lookout quarters.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/Vao7T4__0Xw[/youtube]
Great views, solitude and peace, no coworkers to argue with, what more could you ask for. Contact your local forestry service, they may have a fire lookout job waiting for you.
The Swineapple has taken the internet by storm! A great recipe to welcome your guests for the summer. You have got to try this this new recipe; whole pineapples wrapped in bacon and grilled on the fire pit or barbecue or roasted in the oven. Some very clever creative cook created a simple and easy and decadent lunch or dinner meal for all those foodies out there. Watch the video below, the swineapple is simply awesome!
The yummy Swineapple! Grilled pineapple, pork and bacon.
Recipe:
6 oz pork
16 oz bacon
salted dry rub
Step 1 Coat pork in the dry rub and set to side.
Step 2 Trim sides of a whole pineapple. Skewer center and remove center portion. Stuff with pork.
Step 3 Weave strips of bacon. Wrap outside with the weaved bacon. Skewer the sides to keep bacon in place
Step 4 Place on roasting rack on baking sheet. Roast slowly in oven or on barbecue or fire pit at 250 farenheit for 3-4 hours. Rotate the roast as it is being cooked. Get the juices flowing all over.
Step 5 Check the internal temperature. It should be about 160 degrees. Slice and serve your swineapple.
Black Friday marks the beginning of gift buying season for a large segment of the country and the cold weather makes this time of year the perfect time to buy a portable fire pit. If you plan to give the gift of heat to someone you love this winter, there are a number of portable camping fire pit ideas to consider. One of the best things about a portable campfire fire pit is that not only can you use it in your backyard or on your patio or deck, you can take it with you when you go camping or in your RV.
This flexibility has made this type of contemporary style fire pit a very popular Black Friday sale item. They offer the feel of a good old fashioned campfire while keeping the fire safely contained, which is typically required in most states and campgrounds. While this type of campfire may not have the permanent look and feel of an outdoor fireplace or a traditional style fire pit, they still provide plenty of heat and the beauty of a live fire. They are available in both wood burning and propane models further adding to their versatility.
Today’s portable fire pits tend to have more clean, no fuss, modern styling. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from cast iron, stainless steel, and copper. The vast majority of camping fire pits are designed to fold up into a more convenient package that fits in the trunk of a car, basement storage compartment of an RV, or the back of a pickup truck, making portability a breeze. If you are planning to go Black Friday shopping this year, consider these portable camping fire pit ideas:
The Olympic Firebowl from Skagerak is constructed from heavy duty cast iron with a 24 inch diameter bowl. This is perfect for use on your deck, at your next tailgate party, or at your campsite. It stands only 8 inches above the ground, making it exceptionally stable. Weighing in at only 15 pounds the Firebowl is very easy to carry, yet the round bowl provides plenty of heat and beautiful flames. Perfect for a beach party.
The Landmann USA Big Sky Fire Ring may be the ultimate in portable campfire fire pits. Made of solid cast iron, it is designed to fold down into five segments for complete portability. The Big Sky features a number of decorative cutouts that serve to provide fresh air to the fire burning inside. It comes with an enamel cooking grate which is attached to a pivot arm for cooking your favorite campfire meals. Your very own campfire pit in your backyard.
The Weber Wood Burning Outdoor Fireplace is made from heavy gauge sheet steel. It has also been around FOREVER, a testament to its quality and popularity. This modern design feature four sturdy legs and a corrosion resistant aluminum heat shield. If you remove the centre piece the lid will snuff the flames out and packs down to resemble and oversized wok. The round shape makes it great for family gathering in the backyard or at the campsite. Thanks to the built in wood handle,s carrying this 38 pound camping fire pit is relatively effortless. The porcelain enamel finish will keep the Weber outdoor fireplace looking like new for many years.
The Coleman Pack-Away Portable Fireplace Grill takes only a few minutes to assemble using nothing more than your hands. It comes with a convenient plastic carrying bag making it easy to take anywhere. The 22 inch bowl lets you use larger logs for long burning fires and deep beds of coals for cooking on or toasting marshmallows. The steel mesh screen features decorative leaf decals and will keep flying sparks from escaping and starting fires. The carrying bag is large enough to carry newspaper and kindling for starting your next fire.
Not everywhere you will go camping will let you have a wood fire burning in your campsite. The Camp Chef Propane Outdoor Portable Campfire Pit lets you enjoy the pleasure of an outdoor fire without the worry of sparks or local regulations. The 15 inch fire ring is 4 inches deep and is designed to use the same propane cylinder your barbecue grill uses. The included lava rocks spread the flames and create a beautiful campfire effect. Your neighbors are sure to appreciate the smokeless fire and at only 23 pounds, it is easy to take with you anywhere.
The Camp Chef Del Rio Copper Gas Fire Pit features a 30 inch diameter contemporary copper bowl and a fire ring that puts out 55,000 BTUs of heat. Thanks to the electronic ignition, lighting a warm campfire has never been easier. You can use the heavy duty steel frame as a footrest and it makes a great safety ring to keep the kids at bay. Comes with 20 pounds of lava rock, a rain cover, and four roasting sticks. Not only does the copper bowl create beautiful flames, it is easy to keep clean. Classy looking fire pit for your dinner party.
FMI Brands Inc Ban Buster Portable Propane Campfire
Nothing can ruin a camping trip faster than being told there is an open fire ban in place. The FMI Brands Inc Ban Buster Portable Propane Campfire offers the perfect solution to this problem. Built from heavy gauge galvanized steel, this 19 inch diameter campfire pit weighs in at 25 pounds. The Ban Buster offers 29,000 btus of heat, perfect for chilly nights or for cooking the evening meal. It comes with ceramic logs, a cooking rack, and a ten foot long propane hose to connect to a standard propane tank. It is fully CSA approved as both a portable campfire fire pit and as an outdoor cooker.
The Gas Can by Campfire in a Can is far more than just a portable fire pit, delivering 64,000 btus this 14 3/4 diameter campfire in a can meets the latest CSA safety standards. Made as a one piece unit, it is easily portable and has a very unique appearance. The canister is made from aluminum to help keep the weight down to a mere 15 pounds. It features a one piece log set and comes with a ten foot long propane hose and RV adapter. Thanks to the Zero Clearance technology you can place the Campfire in a Can right on your deck with no fear of burns. The only fire pit that you can use on a deck. There are many ways you can use this as well. See some more ideas here.
Long before you light the first match for your outdoor fire, you need to check with your local authorities to see what types of fires are permitted where you live. You are likely to find that the vast majority of municipalities have their own rules, regulations, and guidelines with regard to the different types of open fires, fire pits, and burn barrels you are allowed to use in your backyard. Open fire safety rules cover many things including the following:
The type of fire pit or burn barrel you can use
The size of your fire pit, fire ring, or burn barrel you can use
The types of materials you may and may not burn
The times of year you can have an open fire in your backyard
The times of day you can burn
Whether or not you need a permit
Different Types of Backyard Fires
There are different types of open fires, each of which has a different purpose, but all of which you may find yourself using at some point. Each of these types of outdoor fire has its own set of open fire rules and safety requirements ranging from what you can burn to the type of container or fire ring you can use to burn them.
The Recreational Fire: This category includes bonfires, campfires, and any type of backyard fire burning in a fire pit. These are among the most heavily regulated in some cities, and conversely among the least in others. Typically these fires burn wood and are short term in duration. Most people light these fires early in the evening and then let them burn low before going out at the end of the evening. Unfortunately they are among the most abused as people tend to make them too big or fail to fully extinguish them when it is time to go in.
Leaf and Yard Waste Fires: Many people who have large gardens and yards will burn their leaves and yard waste in a bonfire. This type of fire is particularly prevalent in areas where there are no scheduled leaf and yard waste pickups. While this is a great way to get rid of your yard waste, most cities have very specific regulations regarding placement of this type of fire. Leaf and waste fires tend to be extremely smoky, making them a nuisance to your neighbors and any surrounding business. Because of this you may be limited to certain days of the week or times of day when you can burn your yard waste.
Cooking Fires: Most cities will allow you to have a cooking fire in your yard for the purpose of preparing your own foods, and preparing meals for a party or event. These fires are typically used for cooking foods such as hamburgers, hotdogs, game meat, and whole pigs. Since these fires tend to be small in nature they are easy to control and short term in duration.
Heat Fires: In most cases you will not be required to have a permit or license if you plan to use any type of space heater or salamander to provide heat outdoors. These devices can be used to provide heat for outdoor events, those who are working outside, or to heat buildings which are under construction. Since they are not open fires, they are fully contained and relatively safe to use.
Your Responsibilities
If you are going to have any type of open fire, there are a number of responsibilities of which you must be aware. At the same time there are a few courtesies you should show your neighbors to reduce the chances of them becoming upset. Since any type of open fire can cause smoke, odor, floating debris, and the risk of spreading fire, observe the following any time you plan to have an open fire in your backyard:
Burn only approved materials
Avoid toxic materials or those that can create toxic byproducts when burnt
Never burn when the wind will blow any smoke into your neighbor’s homes
Obtain a license when required
Burn only during approved times and months
Never leave your fire unattended no matter how well contained
Always fully extinguish your fire and spread the ashes to cool
What to Expect if You Don’t Follow the Rules
Since practically every municipality has open fire safety rules and regulations regarding outdoor fires, it only stands to reason that they also have a number of penalties for those who fail to follow them. These rules have been created to help ensure that everyone will do their best to have a safe fire, but that their fire does not cause any type of collateral damage or nuisance to anyone around your fire.
Among the most common penalties are:
Citations
Fines
Bills for calling out the fire department
Bills for damage caused by your fire
Loss of your permit or license to burn
As long as you obtain any necessary permits or licenses and follow all of the published guidelines, you should be able to have a very successful and safe fire. Take the time to prepare your burn site very carefully and ensure there isn’t any burnable vegetation in the area. Be sure to have a garden hose or fire extinguisher on hand just in case your fire tries to get out of control. Remember to completely extinguish your fire before leaving it to ensure it never has a chance to cause a wildfire. Your family and your neighbors are sure to appreciate all of your efforts.
Sitting around an open campfire is one of the best parts of going camping. There is nothing quite like the glow of an open fire in the evening after the sun has set. At the same time there is nothing worse than the glow of a forest fire caused by someone who let his or her campfire get out of control. Preventing fire pit accidents both in your backyard and at the campground takes planning, learning to obey the rules, knowledge, and the desire to enjoy your open fire safely.
Fires You Can Create Outdoors For Camping or Cooking
One thing that many people fail to realize is that there are different types of fires you can create based on your specific needs. Open fires can be created just for fun and cooking a few marshmallows, they can be a necessary source of heat when camping out in colder weather, and they can be designed specifically for cooking.
At the same time you need to carefully consider where you will be camping. Will you be pitching your tent in an approved campground, or will you be hanging out in the wilderness far from the beaten path. No matter where you decide to camp, any fire you put together must be safely contained to ensure that there is no risk of it spreading and causing a devastating forest fire.
Before lighting any type of campfire, you must be aware of the rules, regulations, and guidelines surrounding the use of open fires. In recent years many national forests, state parks, and privately owned campgrounds have banned the use of open fires of any kind. This was done in response to an increasing number of destructive wildfires resulting from unattended, incorrectly built, or improperly extinguished fires. Be sure to check the campground rules or with local authorities when camping in the wild.
Designated Fire Pits
The vast majority of campgrounds that do allow you to have an open fire have their own designated fire pits and campsites where you can have an open campfire. Some campgrounds will allow you to use your own commercially available fire pits. This is because these camping fire pits are designed to ensure that there is no risk of any hot ashes or embers escaping and starting a fire. But again, you do need to check with the campground to ensure your campground will allow.
There are of course a number of open fire safety rules you will need to follow if you want to be allowed to have a fire at your campsite, whether you are using their camping fire pit or yours:
Large fires are typically not allowed
Never use any form of accelerant to light your fire.
Obey all posted times for having a fire
Be aware that your neighbors may not like the smoke and build your fire downwind if possible.
Never leave a burning fire alone
Always fully extinguish your fire using water and spread the ashes once cooled down.
Despite the fact you might be thoroughly enjoying your campfire, there is a good chance that your neighbors may not be quite as pleased with it as you are. There are two common reasons why others may not like your glowing flames. One is the smell, which can be less than pleasant depending on what you are burning. The other is the smoke, unless you are burning perfect dry wood, your fire is likely to produce its fair share of smoke.
Depending on the wind and the proximity of your neighbors, what may only seem like a small amount of smoke to you can seem like a smoke bomb attack to your neighbors. Exercise good campfire etiquette and consider the feelings of your neighbors, it never hurts to ask them if they mind your having a fire. Most will tell you they don’t mind as this is all part of camping in the great outdoors.
Burning the Right Type of Wood
To most people wood for a campfire is anything they can burn in a fire pit. Given the cost of buying firewood at the average campground, it can be tempting to bring your own firewood to save money. Most states now have laws against bringing your own firewood and even in those states that do not have laws like this, individual national and state parks, and campgrounds have their own rules. There are several reasons for this including:
The risk of bringing insects and other foreign pests into the area
The risk of bringing foreign fungi and mold into the area
Reducing the amount of money needed to support the park or campground
Putting Out Your Fire
Even if you observe all of the appropriate rules, regulations, and guidelines regarding having an open campfire, there will always be the risk of your fire getting out of control and causing a devastating forest fire that can destroy millions of acres. As the great Smokey the Bear once said, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” There are a number of important steps you must follow in order to contain, control, and extinguish open campfires:
Burn your fire in an approved campfire ring or fire pit
Use only approved materials
Never use accelerants to light or relight your fire
Always stir the ashes, water them down, stir again, add more water, and rinse repeat until you are sure your fire is out.
Spread the cool ashes to ensure they are completely cold
Failure to Follow the Rules
Whether you are planning to spend time in a campground or out in the wilds of one of our great national forests, you must follow all of the rules. These rules were not developed to inconvenience you, they have been created over a period of time with only two things in mind. These are to ensure your safety and that of those around you, and to reduce the risk of your fire burning out of control and destroying millions of acres of vital forests and grasslands.
If you fail to follow the rules you may be subject to any or all of the following:
Being asked to leave
Being fined
Being incarcerated
Being billed for the cost of the damage your fire has caused
With the right attitude and a desire to follow all of the rules, regulations, and guidelines covering campfire fire pits and open fires, you and your family can enjoy a safe time in the great outdoors. Take the time to learn how to start, maintain, and extinguish your fire before setting out to ensure you do not put anyone or anything at risk.
Sitting around the campfire roasting marshmallows has always been one of the best camping memories. There is nothing like sitting out under the stars around a crackling campfire, and with a portable fire pit it is a feeling you can now reproduce at home. You can place a fire pit in your backyard which will let you enjoy the same experience. However, before you light the first fire, you need to learn how to protect the grass under a portable fire pit.
Heat Damaged Lawn
Dead grass burnt by a fire pit
The heat from portable fire pit will eventually turn the grass underneath it yellow and finally brown as it dies. This unsightly spot in your lawn will start out small, but in time will become a much larger circle in the grass which will remain for a long time after you move the fire pit. While the easiest way to protect your lawn from a hot portable fire pit is to place it somewhere else, this is not the answer most people are looking for.
It Takes Preparation to Keep Your Fire Pit from Burning the Lawn
Start by raking the area to remove all dead grass, leaves, twigs, pine cones, and anything else that might burn. The area you need to clear should be at least 10 feet in diameter. This reduces the amount of burnable materials in the area.
What many people do not realize is that the area under their fire is going to become extremely hot. In fact the temperature can reach as high as 1,000 to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit when the fire is burning strongly. This very high temperature is the reason you need to take steps to protect your lawn from the fire pit.
Build a Brick Platform to Prevent Your Fire Pit from Burning the Grass
If you plan to leave your portable fire pit in one area, you really cannot keep the fire pit from burning the grass. What you can do is minimize the area of grass at risk of being damaged by the heat of the fire pit. The best way to do this is to build a temporary pad of landscaping tiles or bricks on which to place the fire pit. The cement will help to reflect some of the heat and absorb most of the rest. This will also help to reduce how far out from the fire you might see damage.
You can create a permanent pad in this manner or you can remove the bricks or tiles in the morning after the fire has died and cooled. This will help to prevent a dead spot in your lawn. It also allows you to move your portable fire pit anywhere in your yard. It only takes a few minutes to set up the pad in a new area.
Elevation Can Help Protect Your Grass from the Fire Pit
If you are only planning the occasional fire, you may not want to go to all the bother of laying a complete protective pad each time you use your pit. You can use cinder blocks to elevate the pit up and away from your lawn. The extra distance may be enough to protect your lawn depending on how hot your fire burns and on how long you keep the fire going.
You can increase the burn time and protect the grass under a portable fire pit more effectively if you use your garden hose to wet the ground under it first. The heat from the fire dries the grass out first before it burns it. If you take the time to soak the area down first and then do so several times during the evening, your lawn should survive relatively intact.
One of the more recent inventions you can use to keep your grass green, is a fire pit grass protector. These mats are made to withstand temperatures as high as 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit or more. They typically consist of a metal frame, a metal grate, and a heat resistant mat. All you have to do is slide the mat under your fire pit before you light it.
The mat and frame may show signs of getting a little warm, but they are designed to. When you slide the mat out in the morning after, your lawn will still be in good shape as the mat will have redirected the heat away from it.
A Word of Caution
If you are planning to use bricks to create a platform to protect the grass under a portable fire pit, or to elevate it, you are creating a tripping hazard. You need to be sure everyone is well aware of the bricks, where they are located, and the dangers surrounding them. This is the best possible way to not only protect the lawn from a fire pit, but to ensure no one ends up getting hurt.
You DONT Want to Call the Fire Department to Your Beach Party! Prevent Beach Fires in the First Place.
Summer, the beach, and a fire pit have two things in common. One, when used properly and treated with respect, this combination can be the perfect way to end the day. Two, when treated with disrespect, this combination can lead to serious injury or death. The number of adults and especially children who are badly burned in beach pit fire accidents each year has been steadily rising.
Seasonal Use has Increased Significantly
Going camping has long been one of the most popular outdoor pastimes in the U.S. In the last few years more campgrounds and beaches have been the scene of beach fire pit tragedies than at any time in our history. In part this can be blamed on the surge of sales over the past two decades. However, most of the blame for these beach fire pit accidents lies on the part of those who use them.
Using a fire pit or campfire brings with it a large amount of responsibility on behalf of the person in charge of the fire. These responsibilities don’t end when you are finished for the day. You are also responsible for everyone at the party and anyone who might come across your campfire in the next few days. The best way to prevent beach fire pit tragedies is to take all necessary steps to ensure the fire pit is safe during and after use.
What Type of Injuries Occur
Fire pit burn injuries are the most common type of injury according to a study conducted of fire pit related accidents at the University of California. Reports from the Irvine Burn Center showed that beach fire pit burn injuries have been steadily increasing. In 2007 there were 11 such mishaps, but by 2008 the number had doubled to 22. In 2009 the Burn Center reported it had treated 23 patients for this type of fire pit mishap. Of these, 17 were badly burned children.
The range of burn injuries varies from burned feet to burns all over a child’s body. Some of these burns are minor but far too many of them are serious enough to require a visit to the hospital. It is also not unusual for this type of injury to be a third degree burn due the temperature involved.
Basic Beach Fire Pit Safety Tips
It is your responsibility to take every step possible to reduce the risk of a beach fire pit tragedy. There are the major steps you can take to do your part:
Always be fully aware of your surroundings. This is especially important if there are children nearby.
Treat your fire pit like any other dangerous environment and take the proper precautions.
Be aware of any embers or hot ashes that leave the fire pit.
Even though a beach fire pit may look like it has not been used, treat it as though it has because there may still be hot coals buried in the sand.
When You Are Done
Most fire pit mishaps at the beach happen long after the last user has departed. These are burn injuries from fire pits that have not been properly extinguished. Follow these steps to help prevent these types of injuries from happening:
Never use sand to put out your fire. It may douse the flames, but the hot coals will burn for many hours, possibly even days trapped under a layer of sand. These coals cannot been seen by anyone, but will make the sand exceptionally hot. Hot enough to cause third degree burns on contact. Fire pits tend to look like sand boxes, making them attractive to young children as play areas. This is the perfect set up for a major beach fire pit tragedy.
Use water to douse the fire, drench the wood and coals thoroughly and let them sit for five minutes. After this, repeat the process until you are certain the fire is out.
If you do not have access to enough water to do this, your best bet is to let the fire simply burn itself out. This at least allows those passing by to see the coals and can help to prevent what might otherwise be a tragic accident.
Burn Treatment for Beach Fire Pit Injuries
In the event that you or someone else suffers a beach fire pit burn injury, you need to wash the burned area in cool, clean water immediately. Never pack a burn with ice as it can cause serious damage to the skin and tissues. Rinse the burn in cool water for at least ten minutes to help reduce the level of heat. Cover the area with a cool, damp cloth or towel and seek immediate medical help.
Beach fire pit injuries are something which can be easily avoided as long as those who enjoy them also take the necessary steps to ensure their safety, that of everyone around them, and those who come after is properly extinguished to ensure they do not get burned. It only takes a few extra minutes to ensure your fire pit is safe while you are using it, and is fully extinguished when you are finished.
For decades it seems as though the only food the average person considered worthy of cooking over an open fire was meat or the occasional marshmallow. However, if you were to unearth some of earliest man’s fire pits, grilling fruits was a very common practice. If Neolithic man could figure out how to prepare grilled fruit on an open fire, doing so today with a fire pit can’t be too hard can it?
Prepare Your Fire Pit
The first step in learning how to grill fruits on a fire pit involves preparing your fire pit. You should not plan to cook over a roaring fire as all this will do is burn the outside of the fruits and leave the centers raw. You also need a grill rack to do the job right. Make sure it has been cleaned before you use it to remove the remains of previous meals. Then lightly coat the grill rack with your choice of cooking oils. You can either brush the oil on or use a spray. What you use is not as important as ensuring you fully coat the rack to prevent the fruit from sticking.
Choosing Your Fruits for Grilling
There are many varieties of fruit which are the perfect choice for grilling. Your choices can be based as much on your personal tastes as which ones work best for grilling.
This is just a small sample of the fruits you can choose from, in the end you can grill most fruits and an even wider range of vegetables. Make sure those you choose are ripe but still firm as this will help to ensure they hold their shape as you cook them.
Choose a Method of Grilling
Most fruits can be sliced or halved and cooked directly on the grill. Some such as apples, peaches, and mangos cook better unpeeled. Others such as pineapple and bananas do better once they have had their skins removed.
Spit Roasting
This is best described as the art of making fruit kabobs. Choose firm fruit varieties such as pineapple, apple, peaches, and apricots. Cut each of the fruits into one or two inch square chunks. Slide the chunks on a wooden or metal skewer in any particular order and brush them with a coating of vegetable oil. You can season the oil with sugar or cinnamon and you can use butter instead of oil.
When cooking in this manner, you need to keep your fire pit kabobs out of the flames and be aware that oil and butter are both flammable and can cause flare ups. You should only cook the fruits until they have a charred exterior and the centers are warm.
Grill Top Cooking
This is the best way to grill all of the softer fruits that would not hold up to being skewered. Again you need to coat the grill rack with some form of oil or butter. Prepare the fruits by cutting them in half. This will expose the biggest area of each fruit to the most smoke and heat. Cook until the surface facing the flames has a nice char to it and the centers are warm. If you overcook fruit it will become dry and lose its flavor.
Grilled Fruit Recipes for Toppings
There are thousands of different recipes for grilled fruit. Many of the most popular recipes start with choosing the right fruits (just use your favorites). You can then use a number of different sauces and seasonings to add more flavor to your dishes. Here are a few suggestions for toppings to help spice up your meal the next time you are ready for dessert:
Brush with melted butter and then sprinkle liberally with cinnamon.
Brush with honey, coconut milk, fruit liqueurs, simple syrup, maple syrup, or even fruit juice.
Coat in brandy, port wine, molasses, or corn syrup.
Stuff fruits with ingredients such as nuts, candied citrus peel, shredded coconut, cream cheese, or brown sugar and butter.
Create a sweet and savory dish by using a barbecue rub, wrapping with bacon, prosciutto ham, or pancetta. You can lightly dust with chili powder, fill with cheese, and any other savory filling you like. Learning how to grill fruits on fire pit is relatively simple, and will provide you and your family with unlimited possibilities for deserts and treats.
There is something warm and inviting about sitting in front of a blazing fire on a crisp evening in the late summer or fall. However, imagine not only sitting around your fire pit, but sitting on swing along with several of your friends. This unique custom fire pit swing chair project takes your ordinary evening around the campfire and turns it into something very special.
Materials List
There is quite a list of materials needed to build a custom fire pit with swinging chairs. The number of swings will affect the amount of lumber and supplies needed. This particular fire pit swing set was designed for five 5 foot long commercially available swings. All lumber used is pressure treated to ensure it lasts.
Materials List
6 – 6x6x8 used for the uprights
6 – 6x6x10 used for the crossbars
6 – 2x6x8 used for stabilizing crossbars on top
6 – 80 pound bags of fast setting concrete
10 – 3/8 x8 inch long eye bolts used to hang swings
24 – 3 inch deck screws used to install the 2×6 stabilizers
24 – 4 inch deck screws used to bolt the top pieces to together
24 – 4 inch deck screws used to bolt the top pieces to together before they are lagged in place
Beyond this you will need chain to hang the fire pit swing seats, paint if you want paint your finished fire pit swing set, and of course your fire pit and a number of paving stones to set it on. You can also use gravel to fill in the area around the fire pit and under the seats.
Building a Fire Pit Swing Set
As you set out to construct a fire pit with swing chairs, there are a number of steps to the process which must be followed carefully to ensure it will stand up to years of use.
1 Gaining a Little Distance
Before you start digging the holes for the uprights, you need to carefully consider the distance between where the fire pit swing seats will hang and the fire pit. You need to be close to enough to the fire to enjoy the warmth, yet far enough away so as not to become overheated. This distance will be predetermined by the distance between each upright. The most common distance is approximately four to six feet from the back of the swing to the fire pit. You can adjust this distance by increasing the distance between the uprights.
2 Setting the Uprights
When setting the uprights, they need to be far enough into the ground to create a stable post. In this particular instance, the ten foot long 6×6 posts are set three feet into the ground. They are then cemented in place, and braced to ensure they do not move while the cement is curing. Use a level on two sides to ensure they remain perfectly perpendicular.
Fire pit swing set construction: Setting Uprights
3 Adding the Upper Crossbars
When the cement has fully cured, you need to add the upper crossbars. You can either calculate the angles or simply lay them in place and mark the angles you wish to cut. Each crossbar will need a lag bolt to hold each one in place. For a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, you should counter sink the bolts and seal them with a good quality silicone caulking.
Fire pit swing set construction: Securing Cross bars
4 Secure with Horizontal Cross Supports
Adding horizontal cross support bars may seem to be excessive, but will help to reduce the amount of strain on the uprights. These are run from the center of one cross bar to the center of its neighbor. They are secured using three inch deck screw to ensure nothing can move.
Fire pit swing set construction: Securing with horizontal cross supportsFire pit swing set construction: Build the fire pitFire pit swing set construction: Add the swings!
5 Finishing Up the Fire Pit Swing Project
After the entire project is complete, but before you add the seats, decide whether or not you are going to paint it. The pressure treated lumber will last for many years without being painted or stained, as a matter of fact you will need to wait for the wood to weather before painting so the paint will stick to pressure treated wood. However, if you have not used pressure treated wood, this is a good time to paint it, as this will add a number of years to the life of fire pit swing set you have just finished.
Drill holes and install the eye bolts for the swings in the cross bars. You could use self-threading eye bolt here, but using eight inch bolts with nuts and washers will prove to be stronger as the will not pull loose from the wood over time.
For added safety and aesthetics, add a paving stone platform for your fire pit to rest on. Then add a layer of gravel around the platform and all the way out to the edges of your new fire pit swing seats set and your project will provide you with many years of warmth on chilly evenings.
P.S. Many thanks to the very creative Dave Larnerd for this very cool and unique fire pit swing chair project idea. You can find more of his projects here and here.
Cool summer and autumn evenings often mean the chance to sit outside with your family gathered around a warm fire. This is a very common scene as millions of Americans have joined the trend of having a fire pit in their backyards. These small self-contained wood or gas fires can provide hours of enjoyment, but at the same time they are responsible for thousands of fire pit burn injuries each year.
Fire Pit Burns Are Far Too Common
Of all the injuries caused each year as the result of having a backyard fire pit, burns are the ones seen most frequently. While there seems to be a large number of adults being treated in emergency room for burn injuries from fire pits, the number of children being seen is on the rise. There are three basic types of burn injuries associated with this type of fire:
Contact injuries from touching the outer container.
Contact injuries from failing to wear leather gloves and touching hot fire tools.
Flammable chemical burns from pouring accelerants on the fire.
As with any type of burn, the level of injury is directly related to the time of contact, the temperature of the fire, and the specific type of injury. For example burning fuel will do more widespread damage, but may not burn as deeply as coming into contact with a piece of red hot metal. There are three very distinct degrees of burns.
The result of being burned by pouring gasoline on a fire pit, viewer discretion advised:
Three Degrees of Burns
1. First Degree Burns
These are the most common type of fire pit burn. They generally result from momentary contact with a hot surface. They are identified as having only the outer layer of the person’s skin being burned. However the burn does not penetrate beyond the first layer. Symptoms include:
The outer skin is likely to be red (think of sunburn).
In many cases the area surround the burn will swell.
Many people experience at least some discomfort or pain.
2. Second Degree Burns
This type of burn occurs when the person’s outer layer of skin has been completely burned through and the second layer has been burned. Symptoms include:
Blisters will develop where the skin is burned.
The skin will have a darker red, blotchy appearance.
The person will be in significant amount of pain and major swelling.
3. Third Degree Burns
Third degree burn injuries from fire pits are ranked as among the most serious of burns. The burn will penetrate multiple layers of the person’s skin. Much of the tissue damage is permanent, there may also be damage to muscles, fat tissue, and bones.
Skin may be either pure white, or black and charred.
Person may exhibit trouble breathing.
Treating Fire Pit Burn Injuries
The level of treatment you need to provide will depend entirely on the severity and in many instances the location of the burn. No two situations are likely to be the same. When choosing level of treatment, you need to take the person’s needs in account. However, each basic form of treatment should be based initially on the degree of burn:
1. First Degree Burns
Start by cooling the burn, use cool running water or a bowl filled with cool water to immerse the burn. Continue until the pain has subsided.
Cover the burn with a protective sterile Band-Aid.
Never use butter or any other type of ointment, these will not only hold in the heat but can cause an infection.
Give the person some form of over the counter pain reliever.
2. Second Degrees Burns
Keep the burn in cool water for at least 10 to 15 minutes or apply a cold compress. Take care not to break any blisters. Do not use ice to cool or cover the area with butter or ointment.
Cover the burned skin loosely using sterile gauze pads held in place with medical tape.
Treat the person for shock, lay them down if possible and keep their feet elevated. Keep the burn positioned above the heart where possible. Cover the persons with a coat or a blanket.
Either take the person to see a doctor for his fire pit burn, or call for an ambulance based on how large the burned area is and its location.
3. Third Degree Burns
Have someone call for an ambulance immediately.
Cover the burned areas loosely with a sterile non-stick dressing, or use a bed sheet for larger areas.
If the burns are to fingers or toes use dry, sterile dressings to keep the burned digits separated.
Do not soak or apply any type of ointment to burned areas, this can lead to infection.
Treat for shock as listed above. If their airway is burned do not use a pillow under their head, have those with a facial burn remain in a seated position, and keep a very close eye on their vital signs.
Never remove any burned items of clothing, however if it is actively burning or smoldering you do need to ensure the person is no longer in contact with it.
Never immerse a third degree fire pit burn in cold water, this can lead to hypothermia and cause shock.
Check the person’s vital signs, this includes pulse and breathing.
If possible elevate the burned area above the person’s heart.
Cover the burned area with cool, damp and if possible sterile cloth, bandages, or towels.
Minor burns, first degree and many second degree burns, can be safely treated at home. In general they will heal on their own in time. If the fire pit burn injuries are second degree or above, and are on the feet, hand, major joints, buttocks, face or groin, seek professional medical care. If in doubt as to the severity of the injury seek medical care. It better to not need the help and seek it, than to risk permanent injury by not seeing a doctor.
