NORCO, CA, April 2023 - Fire features have become a wildly popular item, found everywhere from commercial spaces like office rooftops to backyards. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Architect Magazine has reported an increased demand in fire features. Bringing people outside and in a comfortable environment is an excellent way to gather in a more open space. And while these beautiful pieces are known to light up any outdoor space, there is a lot to consider when choosing the best one for your site project.

To learn more about fire pits and potential safety concerns, here is everything a landscape architect needs to know about commercial-grade fire features:

1. Rethink the use of propane gas. While propane is more portable with individual tanks, this presents more work for your clients. In a commercial space, you want a more seamless way to feed gas through to the fire feature. Natural gas goes through a gas line, making it a hands-free, commercial-friendly process. Even more, natural gas costs more than 80% less than propane.
2. Use fire-safe rocks. Certain rocks can explode when exposed to intense heat, so it is crucial to add fire-safe rocks to your fire feature. Some of the best fire-safe options include lava rock or lava glass and red clay bricks.
3. Prioritize key safety features. Having a weather-proof emergency stop button allows you to feel more confident about the safety of your space—regardless of the outdoor conditions. Similarly, a timer will allow you to control when—and for how long—the fire feature is being used.
4. Call your county for additional information. Every city, county and state has different fire codes. To ensure that your commercial-grade fire feature is suitable for your site furnishing project, you need to verify that it is up to your area’s specific code.

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In partnership with Warming Trends, QCP has upgraded its lineup of commercial-grade fire features. After seeing an increased demand for this product, QCP CEO Rick Crook says it became a top priority.

The latest innovations in QCP fire features include new shapes and sizes—including the Ember, developed with renowned designer John Cook. Plus, QCP switched from a stainless steel burner to a CSA-certified brass option that increases the longevity of the product.

“We’ve made dramatic improvements to the package that we’re offering that improves both the client contractor’s experience with the product and provides a product that has a much longer lifespan and from a much higher quality of parts from what we were providing before,” says QCP Director of Design and Marketing Matt Gilio-Tenan.

This more robust, turnkey package includes an external power switch, a weather-proof emergency stop button and a two-hour timer. Other key features include the use of natural gas (as opposed to propane), flame sensing technology, a premium 24V electronic ignition and manual flame adjustment.

“All of the parts have been defined as everything that customers need to install, from the input of gas and electrical, all of the hoses, all of the connections, even the fire-safe rock,” says QCP Product Development Specialist Randy Sharp. “It’s a kit now, which many people were requesting.”

These new and improved fire features are also made with glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC), making them a significantly lighter product.

“They’re manufactured with GFRC to create a larger cavity for the components and for ease of connection in the field,” Crook says. “In addition to providing more room for the internal components, the lightweight nature of the product works well on rooftops and other places where weight is a factor.”

QCP’s fire features are available in three different textures (smooth, honed and sandstone) and a variety of colors. You also have the option to add a cover or tempered glass window guard to your order.

“You’re getting the best quality concrete with the best quality components,” says Crook.

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