INFORMAL FIREPLACE 



ADAPTATION TO LOCATION AND USE 



This informal fireplace is well adapted to the 

 natural forest surroundings, especially if the 

 stone used in its construction is carefully 

 selected. In considering this fireplace for any 

 specific area, the designer should determine 

 in advance that stones of the character and 

 size indicated in the drawings are available 

 at a reasonable cost. 



This type ought not to be used where the 

 hre hazard is great. It is primarily adapted 

 for picnic areas, rather than for campgrounds, 

 although with a removable soUd plate the 

 variation shown in figure 2 could to excellent 

 advantage be used on campgrounds. 



DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 



It has the appearance of dry stone masonry, 

 although it is of solid masonry construction. 

 The joints should be very narrow and raked 

 deeply. The stonework in every way should 

 present a natural appearance. It is important 

 that the side walls be kept as low as practicable 

 in order that the cooking surface be easily and 

 conveniently accessible. 



Figure 1 shows flat projecting rocks at the 

 end and sides on which to set cooking utensils. 



The foundation should consist of a "floating 

 concrete pad", properly reenforced as shown. 

 In some instances, especially where the hearth 

 is of sand or mineral soil, the foundation under 

 each side should be carried below frost (fig. 6). 



The width and length of the firebox may be 

 varied, depending upon the available supply of 

 fuel. The grate consists of 'i-inch iron bars 

 or pipe set in I-inch sleeves at either end in 

 order to avoid damage from expansion (pi. 

 XXI, fig. 5). 



VARIATIONS IN DESIGN 



Figures 2 and 6 show the variations in design. 

 A movable plate or grate may be substituted 

 for the built-in bars, and this plate or grate 

 should be attached securely with a chain. 

 (See pi. XXI, figs. I, 6, and 7.) If the stone 

 masonry side walls are carried only to the 

 height of the fire-clay brick lining it is necessary 

 to take special precautions in constructing 

 the top of joint between the fire-clay brick and 

 stonework. 



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