Is a portable heater safe for smoking cigars in a hunting blind?

Tuesday, December 13 2011

Q: I've bought a new truck and do not want to ruin it like my old one which doubled as my "smoking room" for the winter months. Been considering a portable hunting blind or ice-fishing structure for my patio (I'm used to the snarky looks from the neighbors while smoking in the truck), and was wondering if you had any alternatives/experiences with something similar? I wonder if body heat would be enough or should I further risk death with a portable heater? Thanks.
- John in Daleville, VA

A:  I know where you're coming from. I smoke a cigar in my car about once a week. I've been lucky that the weather has permitted me to keep the windows open, but the car still smells like smoke for a few days. If you want to move from the old truck to the patio and set up some kind of "shelter," I doubt body heat would be enough unless you wore enough layers of clothing. I wouldn't use a portable heater unless you have enough space to prevent something from catching fire. How about getting a good chiminea and sit out on the patio next to it? That's what a friend of mine does when smokes cigars outside. If you live in a very windy area, and have to have at least some partial shelter, then I suppose if there's enough ventilation a heater would work.

Maybe some of the readers can help you out by contributing some ideas in the comments section, too.