Ready to light up the fire pit?

It gives you that cottage feel without any of the upkeep or the long drive. You can toast marshmallows and hotdogs and sit out under the stars. There's something primal about a real fire, and I've enjoyed a fire pit in my last backyard and an outdoor fireplace in my current one.

But I live out in the country and most rural areas will allow outdoor fires.

If you live in the city or a suburb, you need to check with your local municipality and fire department before you have one built. Open fires are illegal in many areas-and that includes those portable chimineas every garden center sells these days.

A fire pit is a grown-up's campfire. It has to be nice looking but more importantly it must be safely contained so it doesn't start your house - or your neighbour's - on fire. Check fire code, ordinances and permit requirements for your municipality. There could be restrictions on type of fuel that can be used as well.

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