How to Make a Fire Pit Spark Screen

We hear of serious fires every year. After the flames are out and the smoke clears, if a careless camper is found responsible for the fire, that camper could be fined, billed, or even jailed for the fire's damage. In some situations building a spark screen over your fire might be a wise precaution.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hardware cloth (metal screen)
• Metal shears
• Metal stakes (optional)

1. Before you even leave the house, determine the proper government authority over the locality you intend to visit. Is it BLM, Forest Service, State, or local government? Contact them and be sure a fire is permitted. The granting of fire permits is always dependant upon the weather.

2. When you are sure you can have an open pit fire in the vicinity of your planned camp, consider having a fire screen to stop sparks from being blown into surrounding brush.

3. From a local hardware supplier purchase the hardware cloth needed. This is a metal screen of 1/8th inch mesh sold in a 36 inch width by the foot. It is not the lighter screen used in windows and doors.

4. How big a fire will you make? Will you cook or just keep warm? Will you set the screen inside the rock ring, or outside, so the rocks can hold up a grill for cooking? Will you use metal stakes instead of the rocks? You must decide, and maybe on site.

5. Cut some of the hardware cloth into lengths between 12 and 18 inches wide to form a wall around the fire. Hold it in place with the rocks or the stakes. You may want an opening in the wall to attend to your cooking.

6. If you are not covering the fire with a grill, and sparks are flying up in the air, you can lay a sheet of the spark screen on top of your wall to enclose the fire.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, I am not resposible for your fire. The screen is not responsible for your fire. Nor is the wind. You are. Put it out when you leave with water, and stir the ashes so everything is wet and DEAD OUT.

[xrayness]

on 6/17/2009 Good for campers.

[Lancec]

on 5/26/2009 Great article. Always a great idea to have something to stop the sparks/ashes from floating away on a nice dry day! I know too many people that will leave ashes burning to put themselves out... bad practice.