Fort Sunsets · Douglas Lake
The Sunken Firepit
Where nights get magical
- Style
- Sunken built-in
- Setting
- Paved waterside patio
- Fire starters
- Provided
- Burn bans
- Check Jefferson County
As the day winds down, the hardscape transforms into something even more special. Pull up a chair, get your favorite refreshment, and watch the stars come out over the water. Just steps away from the water’s edge, the fire pit anchors the hardscape with warmth, light, and that irresistible crackle that pulls everyone in close. Roast marshmallows with the kids, settle into your favorite Adirondack chair, and let the fire do the entertaining. The combination of firelight dancing on the water and a sky full of stars overhead is the kind of thing that makes everyone go quiet for a moment — in the very best way. Some nights the fire pit becomes the center of the whole universe, and nobody is in any hurry to put it out.
Tell stories, laugh too loud, and let the kids stay up a little past bedtime — because these are the nights they’ll remember forever.
Posted Rules
Firepit Rules
Before You Light
Check local burn bans (Jefferson County) online before every use
Do not light a fire during high winds, dry conditions, or red flag weather warnings
Never light a fire if you are intoxicated
Fires are permitted only in the designated firepit — no fires on the beach, dock, grass, or anywhere else on the property
Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach at all times before lighting — the fire extinguisher is on the pole of the sun deck
Clear the area of chairs, towels, and other flammables before starting a fire
Building & Maintaining the Fire
Do not burn trash, cardboard, treated wood, plywood, pallets, or anything with paint, glue, or chemicals — these release toxic fumes and can cause dangerous flare-ups
Do not burn leaves, brush, or yard debris
Keep the fire to a reasonable size — flames should never exceed 2–3 feet
Never use gasoline, lighter fluid, or accelerants to start or revive a fire
Use provided fire starters or dry kindling only
Do not add excessive wood at once — build up gradually
While the Fire is Burning
Never leave a fire unattended — not even for a few minutes
Maintain a safe distance of at least 3 feet from the firepit at all times
Children must be supervised by an adult and kept at least 5 feet from the fire
No horseplay, running, or pushing near the firepit
Do not throw objects into the fire
Keep pets away from the firepit area
Wear close-toed shoes around the fire
Be mindful of wind direction — reposition seating if smoke shifts toward guests
Do not lean over the fire or attempt to reposition burning logs with your hands — use the provided poker or tongs only
Alcohol & Fire Safety
Designate one sober adult to be responsible for fire management at all times
Intoxicated guests should not sit immediately adjacent to the firepit
No glass containers near the firepit — use plastic or aluminum only
Extinguishing the Fire
Begin extinguishing the fire at least 30 minutes before going inside or to bed — embers stay hot for hours
Pour water slowly over all embers and ash, starting from the outside and working inward
Stir the ash with a poker to expose hidden embers and pour more water
Repeat until everything is cold to the touch — if it is still too warm to hold your hand over it, it is not out
Never leave hot ash or embers overnight — a lakeside breeze can reignite them
Never bury embers thinking they will self-extinguish
Lakeside-Specific Considerations
Be aware that lake breezes can shift suddenly and carry embers toward the property, dock, or trees
Do not position firewood or seating downwind of the lake where gusts are common
Never throw debris, ash, food waste, or anything into the lake — it is illegal and harmful to the ecosystem
Avoid building fires during drought conditions even if a formal burn ban is not in effect
Be mindful of neighbors across the water — sound and smoke carry much farther
Fireworks are strictly prohibited
Firepit Hours & Courtesy
Keep music and noise at a reasonable level while gathered around the fire
Clean up food, drinks, and trash from the seating area before going inside
Liability & Damage
Guests are responsible for any fire-related property damage resulting from rule violations
Any damage to the firepit, tools, or surrounding area may be deducted from the security deposit
Report any safety concerns or equipment issues (cracked firepit, missing tools, missing extinguisher) immediately