Backyard fire pit is central to a cozy evening

Backyard fire pits come in a lot of hot designs, from simple stone creations to elaborate setups made of granite. Such fire pits are usually about a foot deep and surrounded by boulders or flatstones. Outdoor fireplaces and chimeneas also come in an assortment of shapes and materials, from clay to copper to cast iron. All of these fire containers should be located at least 10 feet -in every direction - away from flammable surfaces such as wood structures, decks and trees, says Cecile Green, who owns Heart and Soul Ecological Landscaping and Natural Building in Ann Arbor withher husband, Daniel Little. "Once a year I'll take ashes out of the central pit area, but other than that there is no upkeep," Green says. If you decide to place a fire container on your deck, put it on aheat-resistant pad, says Eric Barnes, owner of Ace Hardware in AnnArbor. And keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case the firegets out of hand. Safety screens can help keep your fire from growing out of control.A snuffer pan, a metal plate that goes over the top of the fire,provides convenience, allowing you to quickly put out the fire whenit's time to go inside instead of waiting for all of the embers todie out. Grates are another important accessory, because they can turn yourfire pit or chimenea into an instant grill. Choosing the right size of container is important, Barnes says.Remember, he adds, bigger fire containers hold larger pieces ofwood. Smaller chimeneas and fire pits will require you to chop woodinto smaller pieces. Chimeneas are the most popular way to build backyard fires, Greensays. "It's fabulous to eat food cooked over real wood," she says. "Youget your stick out and grill a s'more. It's very nice." Fire lovers who want a quick, easy and mess-free route can choose agas-powered fire pit. "They're more of a permanent fire that comewith logs and are just like gas grills," Barnes says. Since gazing at the flames is a key element of sitting by an openfire, a lot of people go for jazzy styles. Barnes says the mostpopular fire containers at his store are metal ones with moon andstar shapes cut into them. Even your plants and outdoor decor near the fire can take part inthe light show and drama created by the flickering flames. Certainplants, like ornamental grasses or anything with a glossy leaf, cancatch and refract the light, Green says. Mobile objects, crystalsand anything that sways with the wind can get into the act, too."They catch the light and toss it back at you," Green says.