Chimineas and Fire Pots - Safety Tips
Chimineas and portable fire pits (fire pots or bowls) have become a popular item for backyard recreational enjoyment. They are to be used outdoors only and never burned indoors.
Chimineas are not ULC or CSA approved. they are meant for small fires and are not intended to be used as a primary heat source.
Chimineas and other portable fire pots fall under the definition of "fire pits" in the Strathcona County Bylaws (68-2000, section 2.1(t)). Therefore, chimineas or fire pots do not require a fire permit from the County. Strathcona County Emergency Services will treat the use of these fire pots in the same manner as backyard fire pits. There must be at least 3 m clearance from any combustible material (eg. fences, decks, structures and trees). The front opening and 
the "stack" must be covered with a metal screen having a mesh size no larger than 13 mm.
General safety tips
- Always have a fire extinguisher available when burning your chiminea. A small 5 lb ABC dry chemical extinguisher should be sufficient.
- Never leave your fire unattended.
- Do not touch the outside of the chiminea while in use or immediately after use.
- Be aware of children and pets.
- Never use gasoline or other petroleum based accelerants to get the fire going.
- Do not extinguish your chiminea fire with water.
Positioning your chiminea: Be sure to find a level, immovable, non-combustible surface on which to set your chiminea. It should be placed a minimum of 3 m from other combustibles such as decks, fences, structures and tress. Be sure there is nothing above your chiminea (eg. branches, umbrellas, etc.).
Do not put your chiminea in a gazebo, on a wooden deck or in an enclosed porch.
Insulation: It is important to insulate the bowl of the chiminea so that the fire is not in direct contact with the clay. Add sand or pea gravel to the bowl to approximately 10 cm below the lower lip of the mouth. The sand must be removed from the chiminea prior to moving it.
Grate: Ensure that the grate is in a position that allows air movement underneath it.
"Seasoning" your clay chiminea: Clay chimineas require "seasoning". To do this, ensure the first few fires are relatively small. Build with a couple of pieces of kindling, be sure to let the fire burn out naturally and allow the pot to cool completely. Do this for the first five to ten times. All chimineas will experience colour changes during use. Never use lighter fluid or any other type of flame enhancing material. The clay can absorb the liquid.
Once the chiminea has been seasoned, you are ready to burn larger fires. You may burn a few logs (approximately 30 cm in length and 10 cm in diameter) making sure to keep them in the centre of the bowl. If flames begin to come out of the neck of the chiminea, your fire is too large.
Do not burn:
- pressure treated wood
- anything that will produce dense black smoke like plastic or rubber
- herbicides, pesticides or any other toxic material
- pellets (they tend to burn very hot)
- charcoal
It is a good idea to clean the spark arrestor prior to each use.
Store your chiminea inside the house, shed or garage during the winter. The combination of freezing temperatures and moisture could cause your chiminea to crack. Do not store the chiminea on its stand. Place it on a pallet or pieces of wood so that air can circulate underneath.
Cast iron chimineas are durable enough to handle just about any weather, however case iron does rust if the paint begins to wear. It is a good idea to cover your cast iron chiminea when you are finished with it for the season.
Last updated: Saturday, February 20, 2010
Page ID: 2343