Fire Pit Care & Safety Guide

• Choose a level, non-flammable surface: pavers, stone, concrete, gravel or bare soil.
• Keep away from your house, fences, sheds and overhanging branches — check local fire codes.
• Avoid wood or composite decks and covered patios.
• Leave 3–4 feet of clear space around the fire for seating.

1. Place a small pile of tinder (dry leaves, newspaper or fire starters) in the center.
2. Lean kindling over it in a teepee shape.
3. Light the tinder from several sides.
4. Add split, seasoned hardwood as the kindling catches. Oak, hickory and maple burn hot with less smoke.

Never use gasoline, lighter fluid or other accelerants.

• Check wind and local burn bans before lighting.
• Keep a hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby.
• Never leave a fire unattended, and keep children and pets at a safe distance.
• Don't burn trash, treated lumber or pallets.
• Use a spark screen when available.

1. Let the fire burn down to ash.
2. Slowly sprinkle water over the embers — don't pour water into a hot steel bowl all at once.
3. Stir the ashes and sprinkle again until everything is cool.

Once fully cool, scoop out ash after each use — ash holds moisture that speeds up rust. A few times a season, brush the bowl with a wire brush and wipe it down.

• Use a lid or weatherproof cover between fires.
• Keep the bowl dry and ash-free between fires.
• Touch up with high-temperature paint if the finish wears.
• Store indoors or covered in winter.

Some surface rust is normal for steel used outdoors and doesn't affect performance.