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Apres ski me!
Looking to make the most of your backyard this year? Having a fireplace outside might seem like the ideal way to add some warmth into your outdoor spaces, but there are several things you should consider before you run out and buy yourself a fire pit.
Just because a local store sold it to you doesn’t mean that you are allowed to have fire in your backyard. Checking with the municipality on the bylaws and rules on open-burning can save you thousands of dollars in fines. Almost every single jurisdiction has a website allowing you to search online before you cause problems with the neighbours.
Adding a grill to an outdoor fireplace may allow you some extra leverage when it comes to the rules because they often fall under the rules concerning barbecues. The one thing you should be aware of is the smoke. Neighbours may complain that the smoke from your outdoor fires causes issue with their enjoyment of the backyard.
Natural gas or propane fireplaces are a cleaner option that many homeowners are using in their backyard spaces. Some of the new technology looks so realistic and turns on and off with a flick of a switch. If you prefer the convenience of not having to deal with wood and the messy ashes, this is probably the best route for creating that perfect evening ambience.
Make sure to provide enough seating for your guests. Sitting around the fireplace requires lots of space for both comfort and for safety. In this design, I created a floating deck in the middle of the forest with an insulated fireplace so that my guests would have space to be comfortable and also that sparks from the wood burning fire would not be a safety issue.
According to fire safety, allow for at least six feet of space between the seating areas and the fire to protect your guests from sparks. If the fire is smaller, you can always move the chairs closer together, but still leave the extra space so that you have the option.
Whenever burning real wood, always make sure to have water or sand close by, especially if you are anywhere near anything flammable. In dry conditions, many areas will have fire bans to protect forest and trees that can easily catch fire with floating sparks and ash.
Fire in the winter is the perfect way to host an outdoor event. Just make sure to provide lots of blankets or pillows so that no one gets cold on their backs. Add some spiced cider and you have the perfect way to enjoy your backyard all season long
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