Families are turning to backyard fire pits for warmth and entertainment, but it is not sparking a warm, cosy feeling for surgeons dealing with severe burn injuries, and a health researcher with concerns about air pollution.

More families are turning to backyard fires to keep warm and entertained over winter, according to market research, but it is prompting health and environmental concerns among professionals.

"All fire pits should be used with adequate guarding around the perimeter to prevent falling directly into the fire pit as well as to ensure people are unable to stand close enough to allow sparks to ignite clothing.

The backyard fire trend is being hotly felt at the Albury-based nursery, Peards, which ordered an entire shipping container of fire pits when the pandemic hit and families began investing in more home-based activities.

Increased smoke in the atmosphere through recreational fires had also flared concerns about the negative impacts on health and the environment.

Fire pits are subject to fire restrictions and regulations, as well as local council laws, but are generally allowed in most backyards across Australia.