Vesuvius- The Fire Pit and Its Story

Hiking 4,000 feet above the historic decimated town of Pompeii, overlooking the smoke of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes; It was at this location that Fire Pit Art® creators Rick and Donna Wittrig gave rise to the idea for the Vesuvius fire pit.

Vesuvius fire pit was designed to stand statuesque in resemblance of Italy’s famous Mount Vesuvius. Rick and Donna utilized their hands-on experience in Italy to duplicate the shape and power of Mt. Vesuvius that captured their hearts during their Naples journey.

What struck the Wittrig’s the most was the awe that Mount Vesuvius holds in its history and the robustness it still holds today.

Mount Vesuvius History

Mount Vesuvius has erupted more than 50 documented times. However, the eruption that gave this volcano its claim to fame took place in the Roman Century. The Mount Vesuvius explosion in 79 A.D was, in Rick’s words, “a once in a lifetime event that changed the world.” During this historical event, the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum became annihilated almost instantaneously. When Vesuvius erupted, several natural events took place. The first event was a 400-900 degree volcanic gas explosion released and sent shooting from the volcano at hundreds of miles an hour. A more recent discovery began informing that these gasses boiled the blood of its victims and were the first fatal attacks on the Pompeiians near the water’s edge seeking shelter.

The second event was the most known- the giant plume of ashes, pumice, rock, and gas that was sent exploding into the sky and over the nearby town. Tourists today visit Pompeii and Herculaneum and witness bodies that were covered and preserved by ash. The city and civilians were smothered with the volcanic debris and ash, resulting in a quickly preserved burial. It wasn’t until the 16th century that archaeological digs discovered the preserved ruins. The eruption lasted until the following day, burying Pompeii under millions of tons of volcanic ash and killing as many as 16,000+ people and animals.

Mount Vesuvius Today

Unbeknownst to most, Mount Vesuvius is known to erupt every 2,000 years or so. Mount Vesuvius is the only known active volcano on Europe’s mainland and considered the most dangerous volcano in the world. Geologists and Volcanologists monitor the volcano’s seismic activity and gas emissions 24 hours a day to guarantee the earliest alert possible for its overdue eruption. The last known explosion took place in 1944, killing only 26 people. Due to the recent research, the likelihood of a gentle explosion like this happening a second time is highly unlikely.

The Italian government has a census of around 600,000 people residing in the 18 towns that make up the “Red Zone.” This zone refers to the population that would receive the worst of an imminent eruption. Due to the unpredictability and imminent threat Mt Vesuvius brings, the government has created an evacuation plan as well as an incentive program to pay residents $46,000 to relocate out of the red zone. However, not many have reportedly taken up this opportunity.

Proving past and present to be a magnificent piece of God’s creation, Mount Vesuvius captured the wonderment of Rick and Donna Wittrig. Thus, the Vesuvius fire pit was born.

Vesuvius Fire Pit

Rick began this masterpiece by forging the steel into the towering shape of the real-life volcano. Erecting tall with a roaring flame, channeling the smoke and flames out of its flue. This fire pit, created with quarter-inch mild carbon steel, is truly maintenance-free. The trilateral design ensures your flames are protected from wind gusts, protecting your guests from flying sparks and embers. The heavy-duty carb steel is built to radiate the heat of the fire, giving you and your guests a glowing and magnificent flame, heating the area on these chilly winter nights.

The sleek design offers a suitable option for those in need of a premium fire pit for smaller spaces. Weighing 150 pounds and standing 48 inches tall, Vesuvius fits the bill for compact outdoor solutions that are built to last.

Wow your guests this season with your newfound knowledge of the magnificent Mount Vesuvius eruption of 79A.D, while showing off your own Vesuvius volcanic-like flares!