Your  Whalen FirePot is a Southwestern style outdoor fireplace.   Known as a chiminea to the artisans who craft each one by hand, no two are exactly the same.  To get the most enjoyment and longest life from your FirePot, please follow these simple guidelines.

INITIAL SET-UP & FIRE BUILDING

  • Place the metal stand wherever you decide the FirePot should be.  Do not place the FirePot within four (4) feet of any combustible surface or material.  Do not use on a wooden deck without a UL approved "stove mat" or "hearth board" underneath the FirePot to catch sparks or errant coals.
  • Set your FirePot on the stand.  Cover the bottom to within two (2) inches of the opening with any type of clean sand.  This is essential to the long life of your FirePot.
  • Crumple a sheet of newspaper into loose ball and set in the center.  Place small, dry twigs around paper in a pyramid shape.  Stack around this with slightly larger wood.  Allow space for sufficient air-flow.  Light the paper and kindling should catch, igniting larger branches.  Alternately an electric charcoal starter or "starter logs" can be used.  DO NOT USE ANY TYPE OF ACCELERANT SUCH AS LIGHTER FLUID, GASOLINE, KEROSENE OR OTHER FLAMMABLES!  Not only is such material very dangerous but the fast rise in temperature could damage your FirePot.
  • Allow fires to die out naturally or spread out and use sand to smother fires.  Do NOT use water to extinguish a fire.  Damage to your FirePot could result from the use of water. 

CARE OF YOUR FirePot

  • Your first ten (10) fires should be kept to a small size.  These first few fires begin a sealing process on the inside surface of your FirePot.  The outside surfaces have been sealed.  Every two (2) years you should reseal the outside using a clear acrylic floor finish such as Future brand from SE Johnson Wax.
  • Keep all fires in a small to medium sized range.  FirePot is not designed to handle large fires and should not be used as a primary heat source. 
  • If your FirePot is kept in an open area, it is suggested you cover the top opening to prevent pooling of water in the bowl.
  • Do not leave outdoors in extreme cold weather.
  • Sand will need to be changed periodically as it becomes mixed with ash.
  • Empty sand out before attempting to move FirePot.
  • Do not use charcoal or wood pellets.  These can burn hotter than wood and may damage your FirePot.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICES

  • The Whalen FirePot is for outdoor use only.  Do not use indoors or as a primary heat source.
  • Do not allow children to use or play near your FirePot unsupervised.
  • Use gloves or fire mitts when tending fires.  Use of a Whalen FirePit Poker is recommended.
  • Do not use on a wooden deck without a UL approved floor protector.
  • Do not use within four (4) ft of any combustible material.  Do not use near automobiles.
  • When moving FirePot,  lift by the top lip of the opening and the neck of the unit.  Use both hands!

THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING THIS QUALITY WHALEN OUTDOOR PRODUCT!
Questions or Comments? Call Toll Free: 1-800-225-1438