Question:
My campsite at Pennsic now has a gas line running through the middle (we're by the lake). We had our fire on the other side of the creek last year but it didn't work out as well as we liked because of the slope. We'd like to have a fire pit in the middle of our camp, but we can't have ground fires. Short of investing in a commercial/retail fire pit, are there any directions on-line for building a fire pit from other materials? The less modern it looks, the better, but we'd like to have at least 30" of fire space in it. I've seen the Dragonwing design, and we may have to go that route, but I've heard of using 55 gallon drums (food grade only!) as well. I've seen a picture of one using a washing machine drum as well, but that would be not the most period thing in the world. We thought we could put whatever we build on a framework of steel pipe so legs would not be an issue.

Answer: The 55 gallon type work nicely, if done properly, ie, make sure you put in enough holes at the proper height to allow adequate draught. The sort made out of the washing machine tub - fine in a pinch, but beware of cooking on it in the wind (speaking as the voice of experience) - wear some sort of fire resistant kit for that sort of fun. The holes in them make for good draught, but wood is sort of a no go, unless you feel like burning matchstick sized firewood. The heat coming off can, however, set cotton alight... Or at least scorch it. Burned through two skirts and warmed up my legs before I noticed anything... Part of that had to do with the heat, too... It was nearly 100 degrees that day... A little localized heat didn't matter until the top skirt smelled like someone gone amuck ironing... *LOL* Learned my lesson - WEAR A LEATHER APRON... There are several portable fire pit types floating around... Most of them involve a tripod with chains to hang the dish, and/or the grill(s). Consulting with Mr. Cooper is an EXCELLENT idea. Also, take a look at the West Kingdom fire rules for some ideas... We're all fire safety nuts out here... Gee, wonder why? Is it that something goes poof out here most every year?...