Making a back yard Fire Pit

D

Dwilliam

Joined
Jun 9, 2013
Messages
17
Hey gang.

Not really sure where this post belongs so forgive me if it is misplaced.

I recently made a very very simple fire pit lining its perimeter with old cinder blocks I have lying around. The area has a very high water table, so every downpour the pit is filled with water up to at least the base of the cinder-blocks to maybe a couple inches up the blocks.

I only recently had the Epiphany that perhaps, like river rocks, these puppies may decide to shrapnel my little kids if heated up to much. My common sense told me that the blocks are way too porous to allow steam to get trapped but I sure don't want to take a chance with my little ones.

Can anyone allay my fears or should i yank the cinder blocks and invest in fire bricks. I'd love to spare the expense but only if its for cosmetic and not safety reasons.

Thanks-

David NY
 
Whenever I've seen cinder blocks used around campfires, they seem to just break apart and/or crumble away after extended use. I can't say ever seeing one pop or explode like river rocks do - though good thinking on your part to consider that.
 
Ditto. They just get brittle and crumble after a while. You might consider dumping a few buckets of gravel down and putting a metal ring on top of it. There are lots of sources for those including scrap yards. I've seen slices of metal pipe and culverts and truck and tractor tire rims used. Or for a few bucks more you can find a fancier commercial one, some with artsy laser cutout designs.
 
I have an "interesting" friend who lives in a small town in Illinois. He built a fire pit in his small back yard. On trash night he and his wife troll the streets looking for furniture and other types of "firewood."
 
In use for fire containment I have seen the heavy, inverted lid from an old bbq used (also portable/dragable for smudge as needed). Some have used the drum from inside an old washing machine. The drainage holes all round provide air flow. Whatever safe containment you use, firepits are great people gathering places. Enjoy!
 
Gravel will provide drainage and elevate the ring (and bottom of your fire) above the innundation (flood) zone and keep from starting any root fires in the roots of nearby or formerly nearby trees. Give aforementioned thought to water absorbing rocks to avoid fireworks. I suggest SB1 (crushed granite) or similar rather than washed river rock.
 
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