Everybody loves gathering around a fire but have you ever considered installing an outdoor fireplace for your home? Wouldn't it be nice to cuddle up around a bonfire-cooking hotdogs, roasting marshmallows-during the fall and winter months?

There's no reason why you have to keep the festivities inside just because it's a little brisk outside. With an outdoor fire pit located in the backyard, you can enjoy your company all year long. In fact, in regions where the weather is cold most of the year, outdoor fireplaces are especially popular. But as appealing as outdoor fireplaces are, there are many risks that go along with them - especially if they're installed on a wood deck.

Here are some safety tips on maintaining a fireplace outside.

• Keep the fuel pile small: For wood-burning fireplaces, keep the fuel pile small. You’ll have less chance of burning logs tumbling out of the enclosure.
• Ensure your fire stays inside the fireplace: There are many outdoor fireplace designs, but an open fire pit without protective screen or chimney can cause dangerous situations with stray sparks, smoke and burning debris. Contain the fire within the enclosure at all times and follow the manufacturer instructions.
• Install a fire pit screen: To prevent sparks from flying out, install a safety screen. For open fires, the screen fits over top like an upsidedown bowl. On chimineas or wood stove style fireplaces, the screen is a hinged door covering the mouth of fireplace.
• Don't leave a burning fire unattended or unsupervised: This is basic advice common to any fireplace, indoor or outdoor. Unsupervised pets or children near a burning fireplace are recipes for disaster.
• Don't start your outdoor fireplace when it's windy: As tempting as it may be to burn a fire every time it gets chilly outside, avoid doing so if it's also windy. The wind can carry sparks and set fire to your property, house, or worse.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby: Common sense says make sure you've got a supply of water or fire extinguisher nearby (wood-burning fires only). Gas-fueled fireplaces should have a safety shutoff valve-know where it is and how to use it.
• Remove overhanging branches and leaves: Install your fireplace well away from overhanging or nearby branches that could catch fire or be singed by burning embers or hot gases.
• Use a fireproof pad with fire pits on a wood deck: If you don't have a concrete or stone base and want a wood deck firepit, buy a fireproof pad for your unit to sit on. The pad will protect your deck from scorch marks.
• Keep at least 3 feet away from the flame: This includes people, pets, furniture, and so on.
• Check with local city codes: Before you purchase an outdoor fireplace, check with local city codes and be aware of all bylaws and restrictions.

Leanne Tremblay is a freelance writer and publisher of Learn About Deck Design, a site where you'll find tips and information on adding stylish upgrades to your deck or patio.