pitfire

Pitfire is a term used to describe a fire built in a pit, often for warmth, light, cooking, or ambiance in outdoor settings. The word combines 'pit' and 'fire' and can refer to both wood-burning and gas-fired installations, as well as the design of the pit itself.

It is commonly used in backyards, camps, and event spaces. A pitfire can be a simple dug pit with a metal ring or a purpose-built concrete or stone fire pit. In cooking, pitfires may support grilling, roasting, or slow smoking, sometimes with a raised grate or spit.

Proper placement away from structures, overhangs, and vegetation, with a clear area around for safe operation. Use seasoned wood, avoid accelerants, keep children and pets at a distance, and have suppression tools handy. Local codes may regulate pit size, burn times, and fuel types, and some jurisdictions ban open fires during dry seasons.

Pitfires vary in size and style, from small decorative pits to large fire pits used for social gatherings. They have a long cultural history in many regions, associated with campfires, feasts, and storytelling.

Etymologically, 'pitfire' combines pit and fire to reflect the idea of a fire contained within a pit. In branding and popular media, 'Pitfire' may appear as a product name or company name, outside of the literal fire pit context.