Curl up around the fire without breaking the bank. Christine Lennon – January 22, 2021 | Updated March 22, 2021
Cozy and nostalgic, warm and romantic, nothing adds atmosphere to an outdoor gathering like a backyard fire. While concerns around stray sparks and the cost of building a permanent outdoor pit may feel like theyâre extinguishing your campfire dreams, there are safe, affordable, and portable ways to take the chill out of a winter night.
Taking a few small precautions can make a big difference. Check your local air quality regulations, like sparetheair.org for the San Francisco area, to avoid no-burn days. Keep the flames small and a minimum of 10 feet away from any structure. Build your fire in an uncovered area on a flame-resistant surface like bricks, pavers, or a grill mat. Put out the fire completely with sand or water and dispose of ashes and embers, which could stay active for up to two days, in a metal container. And always use a sp