A little planning before the first fire makes every evening around the pit easier and safer.
Choose the spot before you buy
Measure the area where the fire pit will sit and check the clearances the maker requires from walls, fences, furniture and anything overhead. The ground should be stable and suitable under the maker’s instructions; some surfaces need extra protection. If you rent or share the space, check the property rules first.
Read the instructions before the first use
Different designs have different assembly steps, fuels and operating rules. Follow the supplied instructions for assembly, fuel type and maximum fill, and keep them somewhere you can find them again. If any step is unclear, ask before lighting rather than improvising.
Check local rules and current conditions
Fire restrictions and council rules can change with the season and the weather. Check what applies on the day you plan to use the pit, not just when you bought it. Wind, dryness and local warnings all affect whether lighting up is a good idea at all.
Plan for supervision and putting it out
Decide how the fire will be extinguished before it is lit, and keep that equipment within reach. An adult should stay with the fire until it is fully out, and children and pets need clear boundaries around the area. Follow the maker’s guidance on when the pit is safe to leave.
Look after it between uses
Let everything cool completely before handling, cleaning or covering the pit, and follow the care instructions for ash and residue. Check the bowl, legs and fittings from time to time for wear or damage, and stop using the pit if you are unsure it is sound. Store covers and accessories as the instructions suggest.