Fire Pit

What is Fire? – Why Choose a Fire Pit?

Whether fire is our friend or foe depends a lot on the way we treat it and our having a basic knowledge of its causes. This understanding will help us see the practicality and benefits of having a Fire Pit.

What Is Fire?
Although men had been using fire for thousands of years, its true nature was not known until experiments by Antoine Lavoisier and others in the 1700’s showed that fire marks a chemical reaction involving oxygen. I am sure that if they had put fire pits to good use, they could have figured this out way earlier! Anyway, they proved that oxygen is actually added during the burning process, although others before that had thought that fire resulted from the release of an imaginary substance called “phlogiston.” Fire is defined as the heat and light that come from burning substances – essential of course for all fire pits.

In describing the basic essentials for fire, many speak of the “fire tetrahedron.” In other words, besides the original “fire triangle” of fuel, heat and oxygen, they add the fourth essential of chemical reaction. Fire pits use all four!

It is necessary for us to understand the part each of these plays in producing fire so that we can put it to use in either lighting our fire pit and preventing or extinguishing unwanted fires. For example, to put out a grease fire on the stove, turn off the stove (removing the heat) and cover with a lid (removing the oxygen that feeds the fire). This will also benefit those contemplating buying a fire pit, helping them to decide which fire pits are best for them.

So to get a better idea of what causes fire in your fire pit, let’s take a look at these four basic elements.
FUEL: Given the right circumstances, most substances will burn or combine with oxygen in combustion, a chemical process that liberates heat. (Remember that fire is the heat and light resulting from combustion.) However, the temperature at which things will burn in fire pits, called the ignition point or kindling point, varies according to the substance. For example, the kindling point of film, nitrocellulose, is only 279 degrees Fahrenheit – not recommended for use in fire pits. For wool it is 401 degrees Fahrenheit – obviously making fire pits hard to light, and for newsprint 446 degrees Fahrenheit – perfect for fire pits. What Fuel should I use in my Fire Pit? Wood or charcoal can be used in most fire pits. Some fire pits run on gas, a great alternative. See Artistic Fire Pits for converting your fire pit to gas.

HEAT: Generally, heat is provided from an outside source, such as a match or spark, and then the fire produces enough of its own heat to be self-supporting. If we reduce the temperature of a burning substance below its kindling point, the fire in all fire pits will go out. Sometimes enough heat is generated within substances, such as in a pile of oily rags, to cause them to burst into flames. This is called spontaneous combustion. Certain bacteria in moist hay can cause the temperature to rise rapidly, causing the hay to burn. These sources of heat cannot be ignored when considering fire prevention and safety, and in deciding what to burn in your outdoor fire pit.

OXYGEN: Although there are other chemicals that can combine with fuels to produce heat, oxygen is the most common. The need for oxygen to sustain a fire in all fire pits is shown by the fact that fuels heated in a vacuum will not burn. Sorry there will be no outdoor fire pits in space!

CHEMICAL REACTION: There are certain conditions under which fuels will not produce a flame, even though fuel, heat and oxygen are present. For example, if the percentage of natural gas in air is not between about 4 percent and 15 percent, no flame will be produced; your fire pit will not go!

The burning process can be illustrated by an examination of the flame of a candle. The wax does not burn directly, but, rather, gas given off by the heated wax travels up the wick and burns. Prove this by blowing out a candle that has been burning for some time. Then pass a lighted match through the trail of smoke rising from the wick. A flame will travel down the smoke to the wick and relight the candle.

There are three areas in the flame produced by fire pits: (1) the dark inner area of no combustion and (2) an intermediate layer of incomplete combustion, composed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide that gradually work their way to (3) the outside cone of complete combustion.

Why Choose a Fire Pit?
With the forgoing in mind think of how the flame of your fire pit will enhance your evening. Yes the rich tones of the patina evoke the colors of a warm blaze making Outdoor Fire Pits a centre attraction for any gathering, even on those cooler evenings. In sunlight, the designs, on the sides of Patina Fire Pits, or the actual design of the Artisanal Fire Bowls themselves, cast intriguing shadows both inside and outside the bowl. When lit, the flickering shadows from fire pits are as lively as the fire within.

Keeping in mind the essentials for fire, would it not be a good idea to take a look around your home or place of work to see if you may not be giving destructive fire a place to start? And remember – Fire Pits are a great way to control your outdoor fire.

Yes, whether fire is our friend or foe depends a lot on the way we treat it and our having a basic knowledge of its causes. It certainly is the course of wisdom to treat fire with respect, and fire pits are a great way of doing just that!

So, will you light up your fire pit tonight?

About the Author

A keen outdoor enthusiast who loves surfing, fishing, jogging and tramping with my family. I am keenly looking forward to the fulfilment of Psalm 37:11,29 when we will be able to enjoy the great outdoors with our families forever. I have been one of Jehovah's Witnesses since 1993.

Check out my website for all your Fire Pit needs: LightMyFirepit.com

Landmann / Fire-on-the-Go Fire Pit / 26765 $132.39 Landmann - Fire-on-the-Go Fire Pit - 26765

Landmann / Ball O' Fire - Fire Pit / 28925 $232.4 Landmann - Ball O' Fire - Fire Pit - 28925

Fire-on-the-Go Fire Pit $92.99 From Landmann USA, this Fire-on-the-Go Fire Pit is perfect for camping, picnics or at the beach. It is lightweight and easy to assemble with no tools needed. Includes full coverage Spark Guard with handle, deluxe carrying bag with large handles and wood handle poker. 30"LX30"WX30"H 15 lbs.

29300 Big Sky Fire Pit $43 This Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit Cover will fit any Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit

Fire Pit Each $69.99 Our Fire Pit has the look of bright yellow and orange flames with a rock like border. Each Fire Pit measures 3 feet high x 38 inches in diameter and is made of cardboard. Use the Fire Pit to complete your outdoor, camping, luau or overall party theme! Assembly required.

Cart Fire Pit $166 Gathering friends and family together for an outdoor evening has never been easier with the Cart Fire Pit from Fire Sense. This unique fire pit features a square heat resistant painted steel fire bowl and convenient fire wood storage rack. Large wheels and a handle bar allow for easy mobility and storage. The Cart Fire Pit also includes a fire tool and wood grate.

29-Inch Folding Fire Pit $127 Our folding fire pit features a 29� heat resistant painted steel fire bowl and folding legs for easy portability. This fire pit comes complete with heat resistant mesh fire screen, a wood grate and cooking grate. Also included is a carrying bag and screen lift tool.

22-Inch Folding Fire Pit $69 Our folding fire pit features a 22� heat resistant painted steel fire bowl and folding legs for easy portability. This fire pit comes complete with heat resistant mesh fire screen, a wood grate and cooking grate. Also included is a carrying bag and screen lift tool.

Roman Fire Pit $178 This unique fire pit features a 35� high temp antique bronze painted steel fire bowl with hammered lip, and brushed painted steel legs. This fire pit comes complete with mesh fire screen with high heat paint and a wood grate. Also included is a screen lift tool.

Copper Rail Fire Pit $234 This unique fire pit features a 28� antique bronze painted steel fire bowl with an attractive weave pattern, and elegant copper finish outer rails. This fire pit comes complete with mesh fire screen with high heat paint, and powder coated legs. Also included is a screen lift tool.

Fire Pit Cover (35) $29.95 Protect your fire pit with this machine washable, all-weather polyester cover. Cover fits 35" diameter fire pits with a safety screen.

Fire Pit Cover (40) $39.95 Protect your fire pit with this machine washable, all-weather polyester cover. Cover fits 40" diameter fire pits with a safety screen.

Fire Pit Cover (30) $24.95 Protect your fire pit with this machine washable, all-weather polyester cover. Cover fits 30" diameter fire pits with a safety screen.

Bronze Outdoor Fire Pit $250 Bronze Outdoor Fire Pit is available from bedbathstore.com for only $169.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Window Pane Fire Pit $210 Window Pane Fire Pit is available from bedbathstore.com for only $134.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Leaf and Vine Fire Pit $195 Leaf and Vine Fire Pit is available from bedbathstore.com for only $119.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

30-Inch Portsmouth Fire Pit $173 This unique fire pit features a 30� black steel fire bowl which sits atop a decorative powder coated steel base. This fire pit comes complete with a one piece dome spark screen with high heat paint and a wood grate. Also included is a screen lift tool.

Night View of Fire in a Desert Pit $39.99 Lynn Abercrombie Night View of Fire in a Desert Pit - Photographic Print

Party By Fire Pit $1.03 Invitation features a party design with people enjoying drinks by a fire pit. Bright white reception, respond and informal/thank you cards.

Landmann Northwoods Fire Pit $132.85 This Landmann Fire Pit features a sturdy black steel construction, large hinged access door with spark guard, full perimeter handle, ash grate, and poker.

Grilltech Terrace Fire Pit $159.99 We are pleased to offer the finest in British design and quality in the Grilltech Terrace Fire Pit. Constructed of pressed steel and stainless steel, this sturdy and attractive fire pit is built to last. The Terrace Fire Pit features a generous 31.52" diameter fire bowl. Comes complete with dome spark screen. Features: 2mm thick, 31.52" diameter steel fire bowl 4mm thick grill bars Provides atmospheric lighting and heat One piece dome fire screen with high temperature paint Stainless steel legs and handles Grill included Item Specifications: Assembled Dimensions: 30.34" Dia. x 17.34" H Weight: 26 lbs. Model Number: 60453

Outdoor Fall Leaf Scroll Fire-pit $466.22 Outdoor Fall Leaf Scroll Fire-pit

Landmann / Big Sky Fire Pit WildlifeTheme / 28337 $145.34 Landmann - Big Sky Fire Pit WildlifeTheme - 28337

Landmann / Big Sky Fire Pit Stars&MoonBlk / 28345 $145.34 Landmann - Big Sky Fire Pit Stars&MoonBlk - 28345

Landmann / Starlight Fire Pit Black / 23152 $141.36 Landmann - Starlight Fire Pit Black - 23152

Landmann / Firewave Fire Pit Black / 23172 $141.36 Landmann - Firewave Fire Pit Black - 23172

Landmann / Starlight Fire Pit Grga Clay / 23151 $141.36 Landmann - Starlight Fire Pit Grga Clay - 23151

Landmann / The Bella Fire Pit Brnz Fnsh / 25458 $168.23 Landmann - The Bella Fire Pit Brnz Fnsh - 25458

Landmann / Haywood Fire Pit Georgia Clay / 25296 $109.05 Landmann - Haywood Fire Pit Georgia Clay - 25296

Landmann / Haywood Fire Pit Black / 25319 $109.05 Landmann - Haywood Fire Pit Black - 25319

Landmann / Memphis Fire Pit Grga Clay / 26313 $145.57 Landmann - Memphis Fire Pit Grga Clay - 26313

Landmann / Savannah Fire Pit Grga Clay / 26363 $144.67 Landmann - Savannah Fire Pit Grga Clay - 26363

Landmann / Sarasota Fire Pit Grga Clay / 26383 $144.67 Landmann - Sarasota Fire Pit Grga Clay - 26383

Landmann / Super Sky Fire Pit Black / 28905 $233.02 Landmann - Super Sky Fire Pit Black - 28905

Landmann / Super Sky Fire Pit Black / 28915 $234.68 Landmann - Super Sky Fire Pit Black - 28915

Landmann / Deer Fire Pit Black / 23192 $141.36 Landmann - Deer Fire Pit Black - 23192

Landmann / Deer Fire Pit Brown Metallic / 23200 $145 Landmann - Deer Fire Pit Brown Metallic - 23200

Landmann / Big Sky Fire Pit Stars&Moon / 28335 $145.34 Landmann - Big Sky Fire Pit Stars&Moon - 28335

Landmann / Big Sky Fire Pit / 28673 $131.88 Landmann - Big Sky Fire Pit - 28673

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 at 11:24 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.