What is with Dexter's firepit?

So, in New Blood, the firepit outside Dexter's cabin is burning 24 hours a day.

I've never lived in a remot3me freezing place like that, but it just doesn't make sense to me. It's not safe and it's just not possible. Unless it's to keep Vincent Van Goat warm.

Don't even get me started on how he buried a body under there.