Minecraft wiki entry for Shelters, associated text: This is just a hole in the ground that can be 1×1 or 4×4. Fill it with lava, and then you can throw items you don't need or items taking up space into the hole to watch them BURN! This isn't always outside your base but it isn't recommended if you have a floor or wall near if the base is made out of wood, wood planks or wool due to the risk of it catching on fire and your base burning down.