A fire ring is a construction or device used to contain campfires and prevent them from spreading and turning into wildfires.
A fire ring is designed to contain a fire that is built directly upon the ground, such as a campfire. Fire rings have no bottom, and are simply circles made of forged metal, stones, concrete, etc. which surround and contain a fire. Manufactured steel fire rings are available in various sizes to suit every need.
When building a fire somewhere that isn't "fire-safe," such as on a patio or in a backyard, a fire pit may be better used instead. Fire pits have legs and bottoms, and are designed to contain the entire fire instead of just keeping it in one place.
A fire ring may be nothing more than a short, wide section of metal tube, partially buried in the ground. Slightly more advanced fire rings may be partially covered with metal bars so that the fire may be used for cooking. These types are seen at many campsites. Fire rings in urban areas, such as on beaches, may be made of poured concrete. Makeshift fire rings can be constructed out of a ring of stones where preconstructed rings are not available (care should be taken as some stones can explode when heated due to trapped gas pockets, thermal expansion, or water contained flashing into steam.
Famous quotes containing the words fire and/or ring:
“It looks as if we may be presented with a kind of vast municipal fire station.... What is proposed is like a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much loved and elegant friend.”
—Charles, Prince Of Wales (b. 1948)
“I saw Eternity the other night,
Like a great ring of pure and endless light,”
—Henry Vaughan (1622–1695)