Unfortunatly, I learned the hard way that using fire on the wood deck is a dangerous sport. I am spending this weekend cutting out burnt wood and replacing it. Not exactly what I had planned this weekend. And after the deck project is complete a drip pan or mat or blocks of some sort is going under everything with fire in it for protection. The burn spot aren't bad per se, but the message is clear: Protection under the chimney and grill/smoker is mandatory!