No question that purchasing an outdoor fire pit can add warmth, style and drama to your backyard, patio or deck.
That uniquely relaxing and captivating feeling of sitting around a campfire with friends, family, or a special one no longer has to wait for the annual camping trip.
Many thousands of people now make it happen right in their backyard throughout the year.
Before you make your purchase, however, there's one thing you'll want to consider carefully, so that your new outdoor fire pit provides the kind of warmth, style and drama you'll want to experience for years to come.
Make safety your first priority, especially as it relates to fire.
Carefulness and common sense will not be packed in the box when your delivery arrives.
You have to provide them.
If you don't, the potential for injury to yourself and others, as well as damage to your property and that of your neighbors, greatly increases.
Plan now to take the following precautions to bring the right kind of drama and excitement to your backyard:

Keep a fire extinguisher, container of water, or other source of water near-by.

Just don't leave your fire unattended, and make sure the fire is completely out before heading to bed, even if it means dousing a smoldering fire with water.

Take special care to keep little children from getting too close, and never ever leave them unattended near a fire.
Pets too.

Don't sacrifice safety to save a few bucks on a cheap outdoor fire pit, extinguisher, etc.
It's not worth the risk.

Position your fireplace at least 10 feet away from flammable materials or objects: low-hanging branches; piles of dry grass, leaves or brush; gas cans; your house...
Make sure you have plenty of space around and above the unit.

Gauge placement according to wind patterns and where you want the smoke to be blowing.

Don't overfill your outdoor fire pit with wood or wood substitutes.
Likewise, don't over-gas your outdoor gas fireplace.
You don't want the flames to get too high or unmanageable.

Use a spark screen with your firepit.

Use a fire pit pad or flagstone underneath your outdoor fire place on wooden decks.

Check the laws in your area before building any outdoor fire.
In different parts of the country, those laws vary.
Contact your local fire department to find out where fires or grills can be used in your area.

Carefully read and follow your manufacturer's instructions, which are there for good reasons.

Do not use a fire pit indoors!

Familiarizing yourself with safety guidelines such as these should go a long way toward ensuring that your outdoor fire pit provides many years of enjoyment and pleasant experiences.

Because of your carefulness and common sense, you can enjoy listening to the popping and crackling sounds from the fire.
Go ahead, watch the flames dance.
Poke at the logs with a tong.
Smell the aroma of the burning logs.
Relax and enjoy the moment with those who are special to you.