Talk:Fire pit

Initial comments

What is a fire pit? This entry lacks any definition. --Ignacio Egea (talk) 22:59, 16 March 2012 (UTC)

Reasons for Edit: A fire pit may have a similar function to a brazier, but merely redirecting fire pit searches to braziers is inadequate. My feelings will not be hurt if the face of the page changes dramatically, particularly the Archaeological Significance portion, but a fire pit is not a brazier, nor is it a fire ring or fire box. It is indeed an entity unto itself.

An image was removed with a complaint that it was spamming, however the image is relevant. It is an example of a fire pit kit, there aren't that many and it is not something intuitive enough that someone's imagination does an adequate job of visualizing. There was some earlier verbage that I could see how it may be seen as commercial but the image was something that ought to remain. Andy.W.Ellis (talk) 17:12, 14 July 2008 (UTC

Also, if you think that the caption is inappropriate, change it, do not remove the entire image. The image is useful as an illustration regardless of whether you believe the text crosses some line. Andy.W.Ellis (talk) 17:15, 14 July 2008 (UTC)

It seems clear from your contributions that you have some connection with Frazier Quarry, so WP:COI applies. It's not the image that is of concern, it's the attribution and link to the company website. I will remove those, as you suggest above. Thanks. Delicious carbuncle (talk) 17:49, 14 July 2008 (UTC)

I have noted that the Frazier Quarry, but more importantly, the tradition of Shenandoah Valley Bluestone has not been publicized. That has led me to other avenues of interest and points of clarification. I don't necessarily think that saying where the fire pit came from would be advertising, objectively that is where it comes from, subjectively one could like it or not but that shouldn't be factored in to its level of propriety for merely naming the source. I will not change it back, you are more experienced than I, and I am the one that runs the risk of appearing biased. I would only like to state that I think attributing the image is not crossing a line because it's a unique product (the only other one I could find was by Semco and that's why I included them as well. It wasn't to promote a company, it was to shed light on an idea and provide a resource where they could be found. Lowe's and Home Depot are better known, but I mentioned them because they are accessible to most people and have a good sampling of pre-made fire pits. I was not saying one type was better than another, merely stating where they could be found as that is real information. I'm not saying any of this with hostility, I would just like to make you aware of where I'm coming from, please share your thoughts.

Andy.W.Ellis (talk) 18:09, 14 July 2008 (UTC)

I've already expressed my thoughts at User talk:Andy.W.Ellis#Using Wikipedia for promotional purposes - Frazier Quarry & Shemco. Thanks. Delicious carbuncle (talk) 20:08, 14 July 2008 (UTC)

Things.

Safety

Though a defining characteristic of Fire Pits is that they are designed to contain the components of the fire at all times, it is always most prudent to take safety measures in the event that very hot materials do escape from its confines.

A fire pit should be placed or built 5' away from any flammable objects horizontally and approximately 10-12' vertically, but whenever choosing the location of a fire pit it is important to consult the instructional manual for its specifications.

This is overly specific - and not really relevant. You can't just put 'read the instructions' on anything that might have danger.

Also, whenever using a fire pit, one should make sure to rake the surrounding area to remove dead leaves or other debris that could potentially catch on fire from stray sparks. Another common sense safety measure that is worth articulating is that fire pits get very hot because they contain fire and both standing too near the flame or touching the surface of the pit can result in burns. Also, one should not place a fire pit indoors or in any other enclosed area as that could lead to carbon monoxide because fire consumes O2 and releases gases that are not breathable.

I really don't think you need to point out that fire pits get hot.

A safety measure that one can employ is placing a screen over the fire pit which not only contains sparks underneath it, but also reduces the wind's impact on potentially enlarging the fire. Also, good yard keeping and monitoring the area surrounding the fire pit and removing any low lying branches from above it or debris around it is prudent.

Fire Pits have the potential to be dangerous, however the steps needed to be taken to ensure their safety are minimal though important and many homeowners find great satisfaction in them.

Types

There are innumerable methods of constructing fire pits that take into account a slew of variables but several popular options are described here:

Pre-made fire pits: The most common form of fire pits that can be seen are ones such as could be found in a Lowe's or Home Depot type of store that simply need to be loaded and taken to a residence. This is the most simple option and rarely if ever are they constructed of much more than metal and because of their predominantly metal construction are relatively light (most are below 250 lbs). Metal Fire Pits, though lighter, are typically not as durable as concrete or stone, however they are somewhat portable and can be moved more easily. A premium feature offered with many prefabricated fire pit products is using natural gas or propane as fuel rather than the more traditional wood.

It just reads like it's a brochure. List the different types of fire pit, by all means... but don't try to sell them. Wikipedia has a neutral point of view.

Assembled Fire Pits (Professionally or Do-It-Yourself (DIY))

Assembled Fire Pits are a separate class from the pre-made variety and because they are built according to an individual's wishes, these encompass a wider variety of styles and functions. Both stone and concrete fire pits are very heavy and are essentially locked in to wherever they are placed. This eliminates the risk that they could be knocked over and gives the aesthetic appearance of a nice outdoor living fixture, though it does not offer the portable capabilities of a metal entity. Both types also have the potential to be gas or wood burning and both types are popular. Oftentimes these fire pits are built in conjunction with an outdoor living area, though it is not uncommon for them to be the sole outdoor living investment as a place to gather around. Both concrete and stone fire pits can typically be installed by local hardscapers and cost will vary by company.

Cost not really relevant. I want to find out about a fire pit, not buy one.

-Concrete Fire Pits- Concrete fire pits are more popular than all natural stone ones for a number of reasons. Two of the reasons are that it is easier for most people (though still difficult) to work with concrete than it is for them to shape stones, and there is a wider variety of veneer options in most locales allowing homeowners to more closely align the coloring with their decorative taste. A good place to look for examples of how DIY projects can be completed are various online forums or the DIY network website. -Stone Fire Pits- Stone fire pits are typically slightly more expensive than concrete to have them installed, they require slightly more labor and have a higher materials cost than most veneers (though some natural veneers narrow that gap). The advantages to stone fire pits is that even though veneers can look very close to natural, all natural stone will look more natural. Also, it is not layered with a veneer attached to an inner surface and it is harder to damage as a result.

All of this is not relevant to defining what a fire pit is- it's listing the pros and cons of different types of fire pits for the prospective buyer. This is not what Wikipedia is for.

-Fire Pit DIY Kits- Several companies have recently developed all natural stone fire pit kits that sell pre-cut but non-fabricated natural stone that make for a several hour assembly. These Kits are significantly less expensive than having a professional install something and provide the benefits of natural stone while reducing the price far below either professional option (though still more expensive than most metal products). Another variable is the DIY factor which for some would be a negative of spending several hours of labor to put it together, whereas others would enjoy being able to build something themselves (granted, something that is relatively simple).

Sales pitch sales pitch.

There are a plethora of fire pit styles that fit most budgets and tastes, ranging from $50 to several thousand, and they function to serve as a source of outdoor warmth, a congenial environment to enjoy friends' company, a cooking source, or even as a decorative accessory.

Reads like a fire-pit-sales-pitch.

File:Siennafirepit5_1.jpg may be deleted

I have tagged File:Siennafirepit5_1.jpg, which is in use in this article for deletion because it does not have a copyright tag. If a copyright tag is not added within seven days the image will be deleted. --Chris 00:12, 28 April 2009 (UTC)

Dakota Fire Pit

"Smokeless"? The cited source doesn't say anything at all about the Dakota firepit being "smokeless". Suspecting OR. A quick google (original source: FM 21-76 US ARMY SURVIVAL MANUAL) shows that the DFP is designed to mask the glow of the fire from being visible by hostile troops. Discuss.Kortoso (talk)

"The Artisan Steel Bowl Fire Pit "

Dead link, possible advertising, off-topic, etc. Oh and needs to be sentence case.Kortoso (talk) 19:48, 2 September 2015 (UTC)

Changes to Fire pits in history

I suggest that this section be re-labelled "Historical types" and expanded.

Two subcategories within this section could be titled "crimean oven" and "longhouse hearth-fire trench."

I suggest adding "Crimean Oven" as a sub-section within "Historical types," used during the American Civil War to heat field hospital tents. A fire was enclosed in a brick structure, and a long trench dug on rising ground behind the fire for the smoke. The trench was covered with iron plates, to contain the smoke and to heat the plates. The tents were pitched over the trench to warm their interior.Crimean Oven The configuration is analogous to the Spanish 'gloria' heating system.Gloria (heating system), but more temporary. The brief Wikipedia article on the gloria has a link to the latter external page.[[1]]

Furthermore, I suggest adding a sub-section about the fire-pit and hearth configuration inside the longhouses of the Iroquois Nations and other indigenous peoples (with analogues elsewhere in the world), possibly a fire trough running the length of the building. It is mentioned on the Wikipedia page for longhouse, but not discussed in much detail.[[2]] 104.50.12.153 (talk) 21:29, 27 December 2019 (UTC)

Modern fire pits

"Many homeowners have a fire pit." Really? Where in the world would this be referring to? Here in the UK, I've never come across one. This needs to say where they are popular or commonplace, or in some way defend the claim. SandJ-on-WP (talk) 21:22, 3 November 2022 (UTC)