Outdoor Fire Pits & Tables: Safety, Style and Fuel

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Outdoor Fire Pits & Tables: Safety, Style and Fuel

June, July and August — three of Canada’s hottest, driest months. It’s the perfect time to get outdoors and celebrate the sunshine with your friends, roasting hotdogs over the open fire. And as every outdoor-Canadian knows, it’s also fire season.

Wildfire season runs from April to October but is traditionally the worst from June to August. The past forty years have seen wildfire season increasing globally and across Canada.

Forest fires across Canada make headlines every year — most will remember the Fort McMurray disaster in 2016 that saw $10 billion in damage and 90,000 people evacuated. The fire was the costliest disaster in Canadian history. Wildfires can be started naturally by things like lightning strikes or accidentally by people. But, with a little caution, your fire pit can be as safe as possible during wildfire season.

Fire Pits and Fire Tables


Fire pits and tables can make for a safe recreational fire. They’re a great addition to any cabin or spacious backyard and create a spatial hub for your family and friends to gather around. You just have to follow a few simple rules to ensure the fire stays contained within the boundaries of the pit or table.

Safety

  1. Place your fire pit or table 10 feet away from any combustible structure, like your house.
  2. The surface you place your fire pit on should not be combustible (concrete is a good idea, a wood deck is not). Note: Some fire pits and fire tables will be safe for your deck. Make sure you read the manufacturers guidelines.
  3. Make sure your fire pit is safety approved. Although we love a good DIY project, a fire pit or table should have a safe approval rating.
  4. Be aware of the weather. Fires on a windy day can spread embers.
  5. Always put your fire out completely before you leave it unattended.
  6. Always check for fire bans in your area before you light a fire.
  7. Always check local bylaws for rules and regulations regarding outdoor fires.

Style

A fire pit, a fire table or an electric heater? Gas, electric, or wood? If you would like more information on which fit is exactly right for your home, head into your local Co-op Home Centre to speak to an expert.

Fire Pits

Fire pits are cost-effective and, depending on your fuel choice, typically easy to move. Choosing either propane, natural gas or wood-fuelled pit will dictate the type of fire you can enjoy. A traditional wood-fuelled pit will create more smoke and sparks but is typically more cost-effective initially. Some people will consider the smell of a campfire to be a positive feature while others a negative one.

A propane or gas-fuelled pit, however, will be easier to clean and could save you money on fuel in the long run. With propane or gas, you will need to take further precautions when caring for your fuel source.

Fire Tables

Fire tables will give your patio an elevated, sophisticated aesthetic. Fire tables are often very durable, and worth the investment to give your outdoor space a stylish focal point.

Whether you decide on a fire pit or a fire table, check out your local Co-op Home Centre flyer before purchasing.

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