Propane fire pit in Screened Porch (fireplaces, townhome, heat, ceiling)

[newbee2]

Is it ok to use a gas fire pit in a screened porch?

[GVoR]

Originally Posted by newbee2

Is it ok to use a gas fire pit in a screened porch?

In terms of a fire hazard or CO risks?


My buddy has a gas fireplace on his screened porch and uses it regularly (realizing fireplace and fire pit may not be interchangeable).

[m378]

I don't see why it wouldn't be. That being said, those propane fireplaces don't throw off much heat if that's what you're looking for.

[DPK]

If you're burning something combustable alongside the gas, probably a big nope -- else you're probably ok.

[newbee2]

Originally Posted by GVoR

In terms of a fire hazard or CO risks?


My buddy has a gas fireplace on his screened porch and uses it regularly (realizing fireplace and fire pit may not be interchangeable).

I should have been more explicit. I just purchased a gas fire pit table from Amazon with the intent of putting it my screened porch. Table is 2 ft tall and when lit the flames can go at the most about 8-10 inches high. I’d like to place it in the center of the screened porch directly under the ceiling fan. Ceiling height it 10 ft. I’m concerned about heat damage to the ceiling or the fan.

[GVoR]

Originally Posted by newbee2

I should have been more explicit. I just purchased a gas fire pit table from Amazon with the intent of putting it my screened porch. Table is 2 ft tall and when lit the flames can go about 8-10 high. I’d like to place it in the center of the screened porch directly under the ceiling fan. Ceiling height it 10 ft. I’m concerned about heat damage to the ceiling or the fan.

Most of those provide a minimum space requirement for safe operation in the manual.

[Supernc42]

If placed properly no problem.

[BoSox 15]

Originally Posted by newbee2

I should have been more explicit. I just purchased a gas fire pit table from Amazon with the intent of putting it my screened porch. Table is 2 ft tall and when lit the flames can go at the most about 8-10 inches high. I’d like to place it in the center of the screened porch directly under the ceiling fan. Ceiling height it 10 ft. I’m concerned about heat damage to the ceiling or the fan.

There are fire pit tables that are more table than fire pit - can you post a link to the type?

The table one, with a small usually rectangle fire area, I would put on my porch.

If it's the fire pit that looks like a traditional fire pit with a larger flame area, no I wouldn't.

[supernova123]

Originally Posted by BoSox 15

There are fire pit tables that are more table than fire pit - can you post a link to the type?

The table one, with a small usually rectangle fire area, I would put on my porch.

If it's the fire pit that looks like a traditional fire pit with a larger flame area, no I wouldn't.

It's very similar to the picture posted above.

https://bestchoiceproducts.com/produ...yABEgI7x_D_BwE

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by newbee2

Is it ok to use a gas fire pit in a screened porch?

It’s a loaded question- which should come with common sense answers; but it doesn’t!
I certainly don’t see the CO question (as asked earlier) as a safety concern on a “screened porch/deck”!

The biggest debate on this subject matter comes down to the statement(s) of the National Fire Prevention Codes. For starters, fire pits (those that use a gas fuel- NG or Propane) are not part of the code that talks about devices that use gas- they are specific about “cooking devices”. I personally don’t see the difference other than a “lid” that covers the cooking area where the flame is- but there’s still a flame and heat!

Then there’s the part of the code that specifically forbids the use of such devices on decks/patios of apartment dwellings- but are exempt at 1-2 dwelling homes/townhomes. The structural differences are so minuscule that the code misconstrues the emphasis- which is to save lives because the density of an apartment building is greater than a SFH.

This brings me to the common sense part of this “debate”- would you really feel comfortable having an open flame device operating under a wood structured roof???
Oh; like Hell No! Could heat build to the point of combustion? It’s unlikely if it is operating properly. But, here-in lies another problem- what if it did start to malfunction? What if you couldn’t shut it down? There goes the porch/deck/house!

What if someone accidentally dropped something into the fire pit and embers were to get someplace within the screened area? It’s just not worth the cost of your home, life, family, or friends- keep it in an open area!!!