Backyard Fires

In crisp fall weather, the heat and flicker of a fire can add comfort and enjoyment to cookouts and other outdoor gatherings.

A fire can provide a place to sit with friends and neighbors, talking, cooking, or just staring into the flames. Build your fire in a permanent or temporary brick or stone fireplace, freestanding patio hearth, fire pit, or chiminea. Place it on the patio or in an area clear of grass and brush.

Try one of the many traditional cookout foods, like hot dogs, s'mores, or corn on the cob. Sitting around a fire is an ancient and fun way to spend quality time with your friends and family—and enjoy the landscape on a chilly fall evening.

UF/IFAS Publications

• Firewood Pests (PDF)
• Safe Home Use of Firewood
• Seasoned, Dense Wood is the Best to Burn (PDF)

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Firewood Selection

Other Sites

• The Art of Fire--University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension
• Create Your Own Backyard Bonfire with a Custom Fire Pit--Billings (MT) Gazette
• Fire Pits--HGTV
• Outdoor Fireplace Blueprint--Mississippi State University Cooperative Extension Service (PDF)
• Versatile Chimeneas Create Warm Feelings--Mississippi State Extension