An architecture is presented that provides a barrier device for protecting recreational fires from accidental intrusion by small children and animals. The barrier device comprises a plurality of gate panels linearly connected by a plurality of hinge elements. A fastening element is employed to selectively engage the outer two gate panels so that they may be connected together. When in use, the plurality of gate elements rotate about the plurality of hinge elements to form a seven-sided polygon-shaped configuration that is connected together by the fastening element. Typically, a user arranges the fastened barrier device around the fire. The open structure of the gate panels prevents access to the fire by small children or animals while allowing easy viewing and access to the fire by adults.