The Volcano is a great BBQ not too sure it's a good portable fire place, never used it for that. For both BBQ and Fire Place you can't beat the Pit-2-Go......... except that weight is a definite factor.
The Volcano is kind of small for a fire, and it lost its shape pretty quick. I am now kind of hooked on the Cob BBQ for the small very portable cooker, and it packs nice to. Not nearly the quality of cooker as the volcano but is much sturdier.