Fire pits unfriendly to environment

I am distressed to learn that Los Angeles landscape architects and the L.A. Times are promoting backyard fire pits [“Drawn to the Backyard Flame,” June 16]. Burning wood is a terrible idea in a city with famously bad air quality.

Burning wood or natural gas contributes to global warming. Wood- and gas-burning indoor fireplaces and gas-fired barbecues also contribute to these problems, but at least they warm rooms and cook food. Outdoor fire pits just heat up the environment and, according to the story, promote conversation. Surely we can think of more environmentally friendly ways to do that.

Hethie Parmesano

Beverly Hills