Note:  The use of Chimineas or any other outdoor wood burning fireplace requires a fire pit permit for use within the City of Grande Prairie.

Chimineas have become a popular item for backyard recreational enjoyment. Over the last few years they have been available through retail chain stores and home centres. The popularity of Chimineas is still growing and due to this popularity, it is more important than ever for consumers to be aware of how to safely use and care for this unique "firepot."

Chiminea (chim-in-ee-a) is Mexican for clay, outdoor fireplace. They have been in existence for hundreds of years and have been used by many cultures worldwide. Chimineas were originally utilized indoors to take the chill out of the evening air. In the morning, bread was cooked over the remaining hot coals.

The quality of Chimineas currently available varies dramatically. At one end of the spectrum, there are the basic terra-cotta clay models, some of which are not baked or kiln dried. Many of these models are not painted or sealed to help protect the clay from the weather. At the other end of the spectrum are the El barro clay models, which typically have bee fired and upon drying are painted and/or sealed.

Cast iron or aluminium Chimineas are considered a better product as they require lower maintenance and are more durable than other models. However, they retain more heat than the clay models, thus present a greater injury hazard.

Price does not dictate whether or not you have purchased the best or the worst model. However, regardless of what type of Chiminea you have, there is some maintenance involved.

Although the vast majorities of the stores that offer Chimineas to their retail customers are conscientious, there are those occasional incidents where a Chiminea is misused, generally due to the lack of knowledge. It was surprising to see that instructions were not available with some products, and only a few store assistants knew about the safe usage of Chimineas.

As with any product that involves fire, it is necessary to use caution and good judgement.

Chimineas are for OUTDOOR USE ONLY, and should NEVER be burned indoors!

Chimineas are not ULC or CSA approved. They are meant for small fires and are not intended to be used as a primary heat source.

Although most people are conscientious, there are a few "common sense" tips just to be on the safe side.

• Always have a fire extinguisher available when burning in your Chiminea. A small 5 lb. ABC dry chemical extinguisher should do fine.
• Never leave your fire unattended.
• Do not touch the outside of the Chiminea while it is in use or immediately after use.
• Be aware of children and pets.
• Never use gasoline or other petroleum based accelerants to get the fire going.
• Do not extinguish your Chiminea fire with water.

Be sure to find a level, immovable, non-combustible surface for which to set your Chiminea. It should be placed at least a minimum of 3m from combustibles such as a fence, deck, etc. Be sure there is nothing above your Chiminea, i.e. branches, awnings, umbrellas or anything else that could potentially catch on fire. Remember; do not put your Chiminea in a gazebo, wooden deck or enclosed porch.

It is important to insulate the bowl of the Chiminea so the fire is not directly against the clay. Add sand or pea gravel to the bowl to approximately 10cm below the lower lip of the mouth. The sand must be removed from the Chiminea prior to moving it.

Ensure that the grate is in a position that allows air movement underneath it.

You want to "season" your Chiminea, so the first few fires should be relatively small. Build a fire with a couple of pieces of kindling. Be sure to let the fire burn out naturally and allow the pot to cool. Do this for the first 5-10 fires. Note: all Chimineas will experience colour changes during use.

NEVER use lighter fluid or any other type of flame enhancing material. The clay can absorb the liquid.

Once the Chiminea is seasoned, you are ready to burn larger fires. You may burn a few logs (approximately 30cm in length and 10cm in diameter) making sure to keep them in the centre of the "bowl." If flames begin to come out of the neck of the Chiminea, your fire is too large.

If the metal Chiminea starts to "glow," stop adding fuel and let it cool completely before using it again.

• Pressure treated wood (emits toxic gases when burned)
• Anything that will produce dense black smoke, i.e. plastics, rubber
• Herbicides, pesticides or any other toxic material
• Pellets (they tend to burn very hot)
• Charcoal

Weatherproofing may not be necessary with some Chiminea styles. However, it is important to seal most of the Chimineas on the market today.

Future floor wax or Butchers waxes are two brands which work well. Simply wax the exterior of the clay Chiminea. This helps to seal some of the pores and hairline cracks that are not visible to the naked eye. You do not need to do this more than once.

Cast iron Chimineas will rust over time and will need to be maintained accordingly. Cast iron Chimineas that are not painted need to be coated on the outside with vegetable oil so it is "cooked in" like any cast iron cookware. This should be done every 10^th or 12^th firing to keep it rust free. The inside will build up a protective coating of creosote formed from the natural combustion of wood.

It is a good idea to clean the spark arrestor off prior to each use.

It is a good idea to store your Chiminea inside the house, shed or garage during the winter. The combination of freezing temperatures and moisture could potentially cause your Chiminea to crack. Do not store the Chiminea on its stand. Place it on a pallet or pieces of wood so that air can circulate underneath.

Cast iron Chimineas are durable enough to handle just about any weather. However, cast iron does rust if the paint begins to wear off. It is a good idea to cover your Chiminea when you are finished with it for the season.

• There have been reports of the bottoms falling out of both clay and metal Chimineas. This supports the importance of placing it on a non-combustible surface.

• Gusts of wind have been known to blow hot embers onto dry grass, decks or neighbouring properties causing fires.

• Use extreme care when opening the front grill when a fire is in progress. Ensure a non-combustible surface extends out from the front of the Chiminea to protect the area from falling burning material.

If you have further questions regarding Chimineas, call the Grande Prairie Fire Department at 538-0393.