Will pavers explode in fire?
Also know, can bricks explode in a fire?
The fact that bricks and CMUs are so porous also aids in the drying when exposed to heat like a fire. If the pressure is great enough, the block will crack, pop or in some cases explode. But since the CMUs are so porous, they typically release the steam as it's being made by the fire.
Simply so, can cinder blocks explode in fire?
With this type of fire pit, the cinder blocks corral the burning materials. You don't want to use a compressed concrete block that's too dense in a fire pit. It must be porous enough to vent any steam that forms inside as trapped water turns to steam. If blocks aren't porous, they could explode as steam builds.
Kiln-fired brick is safe to use in an aboveground fire pit. These bricks are typically fired to 1800ºF and easily withstand the heat of flames. Brick paver stones should also be safe to use. Check on a manufacturer's website to be sure if the paver material you want to use is fire-rated.