Firepits, fireplaces help homeowners bring comforts of inside to back yard

As fall approaches, its cooler temperatures will lure us out of the living room and into the outdoors. However, there is no need to forgo the comfort of a couch.

Extend your living space onto the back patio with just the right arrangement of outdoor furniture and a fireplace or firepit.

With today's technology, it's possible to enjoy the ambiance of a campfire right in your own backyard.

And outdoor fireplaces are a growing trend.

"Instead of looking for atmosphere elsewhere, people are creating it at home," said Randy Borgmeyer, manager of Forshaw, which specializes in fireplaces, granite countertops and mantels.

Chimineas and firepits are an economical and portable option.