With the arrival of fall, cozy evenings spent outside under the stars are becoming more appealing, and a fire pit is the perfect companion. Not only do fire pits look great, but they keep you warm and provide the ideal spot for roasting marshmallows. However, some might question the need for a fire pit, wondering why anyone would spend hundreds of dollars on a steel bowl when they could simply build a bonfire on the lawn.
The truth is, fire pits offer several advantages that make them a far better option than a traditional bonfire. I spoke with design and fire pit experts who explained why these structures are essential for backyard gatherings. The number one reason? Safety. Fire pits come packed with safety features that reduce the risks associated with open fires. For starters, a fire pit helps keep the fire at a manageable size, preventing it from becoming too hot. Unlike a bonfire that can quickly grow out of control, a fire pit ensures your flames stay cozy and comfortable, making it pleasant to sit nearby.
Another important safety feature is the ability of fire pits to contain embers. With the walls of a fire pit keeping the fire contained, there’s no risk of hot embers jumping out and burning you or anything nearby. The elevated design of most fire pits also prevents the fire from spreading to the lawn. And if you’re using a gas fire pit, the safety factor increases even more—you can easily adjust the flame’s intensity to suit your comfort, something impossible with a bonfire.
Fire pits are also kinder to local wildlife. When you build a bonfire, it often becomes an inviting hiding place for small animals. If you build it in the morning and light it later, you risk harming any critters that have made it their temporary home. This is much less of a concern with a fire pit built from logs, and with gas fire pits, it’s not an issue at all.
The ability to control embers leads to another critical safety point: a fire pit can help prevent a bonfire from getting out of hand. Large bonfires can easily spread to lawns or trees, potentially starting a more dangerous fire. This is where landscaping expert Tom Smith weighed in, warning that bonfires are more likely to become uncontrollable if not managed properly. Fire pits, however, are generally contained and regulated, helping you avoid accidents and potential property damage.
In some places, there are legal restrictions on bonfires, and a fire pit might be the only way to stay on the right side of the law. Many areas, especially those prone to dry conditions, have regulations regarding the size and materials used for fires. For example, Los Angeles requires a permit for most fire pits, and in states like Colorado, fire bans can be imposed during particularly dry or windy conditions. Designer Tom Smith, who works in Arizona, emphasized that bonfires in dry areas can be extremely dangerous, but fire pits are often permitted since they’re contained. As always, it’s important to check local regulations before starting any type of fire.
Lastly, fire pits can also be a stylish addition to your outdoor space. While bonfires are, well, just fires, often built with old pallets or scrap wood that don’t add much visual appeal, fire pits can be an integral part of your garden design. As Smith pointed out, fire pits today come in a variety of designs, from sleek contemporary fire bowls to ornate, laser-cut fire globes. There’s a fire pit to suit every home style, allowing you to make a statement while staying warm.
With so many options on the market, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want a classic fire bowl, a statement piece, or even a fire pit engraved with your favorite football team’s logo, you can find one that suits your needs. Fire pits are not only practical but can elevate your outdoor space, providing both warmth and aesthetic appeal.
