Fire Pits & Wildlife: Designing Responsibly
One of the best things about living in the Pacific Northwest is the constant connection to nature. Even in urban neighborhoods, it’s common to see hummingbirds darting between flowers, raccoons sneaking through yards at dusk, or owls calling late into the night. Out here, wildlife is part of our daily rhythm—and for most of us, that’s one of the reasons we love it here.
Adding a fire pit to your backyard is a wonderful way to embrace outdoor living. But like any home feature, it should be done with awareness of the surrounding ecosystem. At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we believe your COR-TEN steel fireplace can coexist beautifully with nature—providing warmth and atmosphere while respecting local wildlife.
Here’s how to design your fire pit area responsibly, so you can enjoy cozy fires while supporting the creatures that share your space.
Why Wildlife-Friendly Design Matters
Backyards aren’t just for people—they’re often part of a larger ecosystem. Birds, pollinators, small mammals, and beneficial insects all rely on these green patches as food sources, resting stops, and even nesting grounds.
Poorly planned outdoor features can disrupt these patterns, but thoughtful design can actually enhance them. By using eco-friendly fuels, careful placement, and wildlife-conscious landscaping, you ensure your fire pit becomes part of a balanced environment rather than a disturbance.
Eco-Friendly Fuel Choices
One of the simplest ways to reduce your fire pit’s impact on the environment is by choosing the right fuel.
Use Natural, Untreated Wood: Always burn seasoned hardwood with 15–20% moisture content. It burns hotter and cleaner, producing less smoke.
Skip Chemical Logs or Accelerants: Fire starters with chemical additives release toxins harmful to both humans and wildlife. Stick to natural lighters, kindling, or compressed sawdust fire starters.
Avoid Burning Yard Waste: Leaves, pine needles, and debris smolder and create smoke that can irritate both neighbors and animals.
👉 Cleaner fuel means cleaner air for everyone—your family, your neighbors, and the wildlife that passes through your yard.
Placement: Where You Put Your Fire Pit Matters
Location is key when it comes to designing a wildlife-friendly fire pit.
Avoid Nesting or Feeding Zones: If your yard attracts birds with feeders or nesting boxes, keep your fire pit at a distance so they can continue to visit without disruption.
Respect Natural Corridors: Many animals, from deer to raccoons, use predictable paths through yards. Placing a fire pit directly in those paths can displace them.
Mind the Water: If you live near ponds, streams, or wetlands, keep fire pits well away from shorelines to protect fragile habitats.
By being strategic about placement, you reduce interference with wildlife behavior while still enjoying your fire.
Landscaping for Balance: Fire Pits + Habitat
Your fire pit doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s part of your landscaping. The plants, pathways, and features you choose can either support wildlife or push it away.
Add Native Plants
Native species are adapted to local conditions and provide food and shelter for native wildlife. Some great options for PNW fire pit landscaping include:
Salal and Oregon grape for evergreen groundcover and berries.
Red flowering currant for early-season hummingbird nectar.
Vine maple for fall color and bird shelter.
Douglas aster and lupine for pollinator support.
Create Habitat Zones
Surround your fire pit with non-flammable surfaces (stone, gravel, concrete).
Beyond that, add layered landscaping—shrubs, flowers, and trees that create natural habitat.
Incorporate bird baths or pollinator gardens at a safe distance from the fire pit to encourage wildlife while keeping them away from flames.
Avoid Invasive Plants
Species like English ivy or Himalayan blackberry may thrive here but disrupt ecosystems. Native plants keep the balance intact.
Fire Pit Design Choices That Help
Even your fire pit design plays a role in how wildlife-friendly your backyard is.
Choose Contained Models: Vertical fireplaces with doors (like RB73’s Quaruba line) help keep sparks contained, reducing fire risks to nearby habitat.
Add Accessories: Heat shields and spark guards further minimize stray embers.
Keep It Compact: Smaller, efficient fire pits produce less smoke and require less fuel—making them gentler on the environment.
COR-TEN steel fireplaces are ideal because they’re long-lasting, low-maintenance, and don’t require chemical sealants or finishes. Over time, the protective patina adds character without environmental downsides.
Responsible Usage Habits
Beyond design and placement, the way you use your fire pit makes all the difference.
Time It Right: Avoid burning late at night when nocturnal animals are most active.
Extinguish Fully: Always douse and stir ashes until cool—lingering embers can harm small critters that investigate after you leave.
Limit Noise & Light Pollution: Keep music moderate and avoid overly bright outdoor lighting so as not to disrupt natural rhythms.
Keep Food Contained: Don’t leave out scraps or open trash—this attracts wildlife in unhealthy ways and can create dependency.
These small shifts add up to big benefits for your local ecosystem.
The Bigger Picture: Backyard Conservation in the PNW
Designing responsibly around your fire pit is part of a larger movement: backyard conservation. In a region as ecologically rich as Puget Sound, every yard matters.
By combining fire features with wildlife-friendly practices, homeowners can:
Provide habitat for declining pollinator populations.
Reduce smoke emissions that contribute to poor air quality.
Minimize fire risk during dry summers.
Celebrate outdoor living while respecting natural surroundings.
It’s the best of both worlds—comfort for people, sustainability for the environment.
FAQs: Fire Pits & Wildlife
Will a fire pit scare wildlife away permanently?
Not usually. Occasional fires may temporarily deter animals, but responsible placement ensures they can continue using your yard safely.
Can I use my fire pit during nesting season?
Yes, but avoid placing it near trees or shrubs where birds may be nesting.
Is it safe to landscape with plants near a fire pit?
Yes—just use non-flammable materials (stone, gravel) immediately around the pit, with plants further out.
Do COR-TEN steel fire pits leach anything harmful?
No—the protective patina is stable and safe for outdoor environments.
What’s the most eco-friendly way to enjoy my fire pit?
Use seasoned hardwood, build efficient top-down fires, and extinguish completely after use.
Final Thoughts
Living in the Pacific Northwest means embracing both outdoor living and respect for nature. A fire pit can absolutely be part of that balance—warming your family, creating ambiance, and becoming a backyard focal point while still supporting local wildlife.
By choosing natural fuels, thoughtful placement, and habitat-friendly landscaping, you ensure your outdoor fireplace enhances your space without harming the creatures that share it.
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we’re proud to offer COR-TEN steel fireplaces that thrive in the PNW climate and fit seamlessly into eco-conscious designs. Delivered, installed, and supported by our team, they’re a lasting investment in warmth, atmosphere, and responsible living.
🔥 Ready to design your fire pit area responsibly? Explore our collection of handcrafted COR-TEN steel fireplaces and start building an outdoor space that’s as friendly to wildlife as it is to your family.
