Summer campfires have been a long-time favourite when on vacation, but designer trends for outdoor living in urban residential areas are also calling for the inclusion of fire pits, rings and bowls.There are, however, restrictions to building backyard fires, and unless you’re prepared to have a visit from your local fire department, those fires will have to be fueled by either propane or natural gas.Urban residential living and outdoor fires in the traditional sense aren’t allowed. In fact, wood burning and anything that creates a spark is illegal in Surrey and White Rock and will bring the fire department to the party in record time.“We can’t stop you from using propane or natural gas, because it doesn’t produce gas or smoke, so we let that go,” said Bob Schlase, Deputy Chief of the White Rock Fire Department.He said just because you see a wood burning fire pit in a store (the popular chimenea is on the hot list as well), that doesn’t mean it’s legal for your municipality, and recommends people check the bylaws before they make the purchase.Additionally, Schlase advises consumers to look for the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) label on either the product, or packaging. ULC is an independent product safety testing certification and inspection organization is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada and has been in operation for close to 90 years.Chief Prevention Officer Ron Cross from the Surrey Fire Department refers to Bylaw 10771 to get the legalities right.“That bylaw states there is to be no burning of any solid fuels, unless you have a farm, and then it’s in continuation and maintenance of a farm,” Cross said. Even at that, farm-based burning must be vegetation indigenous to the property, and nothing can be imported in.Cross also warned that as of July, a full burning ban will be announced, so if it’s not propane or natural gas, it likely won’t be legal.Here’s how you can enjoy the natural beauty and elegance of an outdoor fire, without extinguishing your fun.One B.C.-based company that’s hard to beat when it comes to outdoor fire highlights is Solus Decor Inc. This design and manufacturing company has been active in pursuing the White Rock-South Surrey market and produces sleek high end, designer fire bowls, pits and boxes in hand cast concrete.Though the company has been around for 12 years, it’s just recently expanded into the fire pit market in the last two. Inspired by a Victoria designer who wanted to create something unique, Solus transformed a custom order into a thriving year-round business.“It’s a growing trend to take it outside,” Solus owner Brad Carpenter said. “Our number one seller is the Fire Bowl Hemi 36.”While most concrete installations aren’t easily movable due to weight, the Hemi comes with a sling, so it can be easily transfered from home to cottage.You will, however, pay for beauty and style. Solus outdoor fire designs run between $2,950 and $4,200, but if unique and chic top your list of priorities, the caliber of attention to design detail is premium. www.solusdecor.comPropane and natural gas installations will give you exactly what you’re looking for, safely, and bonus you in the way that there’s no mess to clean up, and you don’t have to worry about foraging around for kindling.Regardless of which fire pit, bowl or box you choose, leave at least three feet of clearance between furnishings and the pit for easy passage and to prevent damage. Then it’s flame on and safe living for all.

Hot pitsWhen wood isn’t an option

by Elaine Morrison

Solus Fire Bowl

Solus Halo

Solus Fire Box

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