Can You Put a Fire Ring on Grass?
Not directly. A fire ring sits on the ground, so set it on level gravel, sand or bare soil, away from your house, fences, sheds and overhanging branches.
A fire ring sits right on the ground, so what's under it decides whether you end up with a good fire or a dead circle in the lawn. The short version: don't set a fire ring on grass. Give it a level pad of gravel, sand or bare soil, and clear the area around it.
Can you put a fire ring directly on grass?
No. A fire ring has no legs and no bowl, so the fire's heat goes straight into whatever the ring sits on. On a lawn that means scorched grass at best and a grass fire at worst. Set a ring on level gravel, sand or bare soil instead. That is what we recommend for every Fire Horse fire ring.
Even a raised fire pit on legs will brown the grass underneath. A long, slow fire heats the soil below it, and the U.S. Forest Service notes that long-lasting heat does the most damage below ground, where the roots are.
What is the best base for a fire pit on grass?
A gravel or sand pad on bare soil. It's cheap, it drains, and it won't burn. Here's how to build one for a 36" fire ring:
- Pick the spot. Choose level ground away from your house, fences, sheds and overhanging branches. Check your city's distance rule first (more on that below).
- Mark a circle wider than the ring. Leave room so sparks and ash land on gravel, not grass.
- Cut out the sod. Remove the grass and roots down to bare soil inside the circle.
- Level it. Rake the soil flat so the ring sits steady and doesn't rock.
- Add gravel or sand. Spread a layer of pea gravel, crushed stone or sand and tamp it down.
- Set the ring. Center the ring on the pad and check that it sits flat all the way around.
Want a cleaner edge? Line the circle with pavers or landscape edging so the gravel stays put when you mow.
How much space do you need around a fire ring?
More than most people think. Smokey Bear's campfire guidance calls for a cleared area at least 10 feet across, with no grass, leaves or sticks inside it, and at least 15 feet between the fire and tents, plants or low branches. Overhead, Smokey Bear says to leave clearance at least three times the height of your flames.
For seating, plan on 3 to 4 feet of open space between the fire and your chairs.
How far should a fire ring be from your house?
It depends on your city. Many U.S. towns use a fire code that sets 25 feet from buildings for an open fire on the ground, and 15 feet for a manufactured fire pit. Some cities set their own number. Minnesota's State Fire Marshal, for example, requires recreational fires to be at least 25 feet from all buildings. Madison, Wisconsin uses 15 feet from a building or lot line. Albany, New York says at least 10 feet from your home, fences and trees.
Look up your city or village's recreational fire rules before your first fire. Some also require a permit, a screen or a hose nearby.
What type of fire pit doesn't burn grass?
None, if you set it right on the lawn and burn wood in it. Every wood fire sends heat down. What changes is how much: a fire ring sitting on the ground puts the most heat into the soil, and a raised fire pit on legs puts less. If your only spot is lawn, you have two good options:
- Build a gravel pad (steps above) and use a fire ring on it.
- Use a raised fire pit on pavers laid where the grass was. Our 26" fire pits stand on legs and have a fitted steel lid that doubles as a tabletop once the fire is out and cooled.
Not sure which fits your yard? See Fire Ring vs. Fire Pit: Which Is Right for Your Yard?
What about a fire pit mat?
A fire pit mat is a heat-resistant pad that goes under a fire pit to catch embers and block some heat. It can add protection under a raised fire pit on a non-flammable surface. It is not a substitute for a gravel pad under a fire ring, which puts the fire right on the ground.
Fire ring safety before you light
- Check the wind and any local burn ban.
- Keep a hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher within reach.
- Burn dry, seasoned firewood. See the best firewood for a fire pit.
- Never use gasoline or lighter fluid, and never leave the fire unattended.
- When you're done, put it out completely. Here's how to put out a fire pit safely.
Our Fire Pit Care & Safety Guide has the full checklist.
Sources: Smokey Bear, How to Prepare Your Campfire Pit; Minnesota State Fire Marshal; City of Madison Fire Department; City of Albany, NY; USDA Forest Service.
Safety: Check local burn rules before your first fire. Never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start or revive a fire, and never leave a fire unattended.
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FAQ
Can you put a fire ring on grass?
Not directly. A fire ring sits on the ground, so its heat goes straight into the lawn. Set it on a level pad of gravel, sand or bare soil, and clear the area around it.
Can I make a fire on grass?
Not on top of it. Clear the grass down to bare soil, add gravel or sand, and keep the fire inside a ring. Check your local burn rules first.
What is the best base for a fire pit on grass?
A level pad of pea gravel, crushed stone or sand on bare soil, cut a little wider than the fire ring. For a raised fire pit, pavers or stone also work.
Will a fire pit kill grass?
Yes. Even a raised fire pit browns the grass under it, because heat from the fire reaches the ground and the soil below.