Im doing a butt on my smoke n pit right now, and my problem is that the heat in the firebox is causing some of the paint to bubble and flake off on the inside and outside where the heat is highest, and i followed the instructions by keeping the fire away from direct contact with the sides of the firebox. It is close, but no touching. I have only had this smoker for a few months and its my second smoke. has anyone else had this problem? and more importantly...should i be concerned about that paint that flaked off the inside of the firebox? im hoping none of it burned up and it just flaked and fell in the coals but i cant tell. a little disappointing but as far as the cook is going the smoker is holding 225 great for 4 hours now with the mods ive done...i just hope dinner isnt already ruined..