"Just keep the area clear of dead leaves and branches, and you'll probably be fine at that 10-15 foot mark."
This is pretty solid advice. I'd second the point about dryness and density being bigger factors than just bush vs. tree. I've built quite a few fire pits for clients, and honestly, the biggest issues I've seen usually come from overlooked debris or dry mulch beds rather than specific plant types.
One thing I'd add—wind direction matters more than people realize. Even if you're careful about clearing brush, a strong gust can carry embers farther than you'd expect. I had a client once who did everything right—cleared the area, kept distance—but didn't factor in prevailing winds. Ended up with some scorched patio furniture because embers drifted unexpectedly. Nothing serious, thankfully, but it was a good reminder to always consider wind patterns when placing your pit.
Also, don't underestimate how quickly certain shrubs can ignite if they're dry enough. Had another situation where juniper bushes caught fire surprisingly fast because they were super dense and hadn't been watered in ages. It wasn't catastrophic or anything, but it definitely startled everyone involved.
But overall, you're not overthinking this too much—it's smart to be cautious about fire safety. Just keep an eye on dryness levels around your pit area and maybe check wind forecasts before lighting up on breezy days. Sounds like you've already got a decent setup going though...enjoy your new fire pit!
Good points about wind direction—it's easy to overlook.
"Had another situation where juniper bushes caught fire surprisingly fast..."
Junipers are notorious for that. Anyone have experience with other plants that ignite quickly? I'm reconsidering some landscaping choices near my pit now...
Yeah, junipers are basically nature's gasoline... learned that the hard way myself. Ever seen ornamental grasses catch? Pampas grass and fountain grass look harmless, but they can flare up pretty quick if they're dry. Bamboo too—looks great, but once it goes, it's like fireworks. Might wanna double-check what's around your pit before you have a surprise bonfire on your hands...
"Ever seen ornamental grasses catch? Pampas grass and fountain grass look harmless, but they can flare up pretty quick if they're dry."
That's a great point—I hadn't really considered ornamental grasses as much of a hazard before. I've had pampas grass near my patio for years and never thought twice about it. Now you've got me wondering if I should reconsider its placement or at least trim it back more regularly. Better safe than sorry, I suppose... Thanks for sharing your experience; definitely food for thought.
I've been thinking about this too since we just put in a fire pit last month. We have some fountain grass nearby, and honestly, I never gave it a second thought until now. Does anyone know how far away ornamental grasses should ideally be from a fire pit? I'd rather not rip everything out if I don't have to, but maybe trimming it down or moving it back a bit would help...
