Using a Chiminea Indoors Chiminesas can add heat and ambiance to a backyard. It can also be used for cooking and is safer than the fire pit. Clay chimineas need an additional layer of sand at the base to prevent cracks in the thermal structure due to abrupt temperature fluctuations. https://fireplace-uk77665.blazingblog.com/29941827/10-things-we-all-love-about-chiminea-fire-pit