In light of National Fire Safety Week, Richmond City Fire Chief Mark Sowder explained fire pit safety for the cool, autumn months. Most Ray Countians will want to sit outside around a fire pit. Enjoyment and fall fun can be had, but Sowder noted there are requirements under city ordinance, Section 205.180 – Open Burning, to allow an outside fire. “No recreational fire may be started or allowed to continue burning unless such recreational fire is fully contained within an approved fire pit or portable fireplace,” he stated. An approved fire pit is either a below-ground dug pit at least 12 inches below grade and not greater than 36 inches inside diameter or square (inside edge of the pit to the opposite inside edge), or an at-grade area not greater than 36 inches in diameter or square with a wall of material that can withstand high heat that is at least two feet in height, said Sowder. “The area around a below-ground pit must be covered with noncombustible material for a distance of…