fire brick question

[gunsnroses]

So I am lucky enough to have the ability to gather all kinds of seafood, in my home town here in South Carolina, any given time. At my personal home I want to build a pit with a swing arm to aid in oyster roasts ect. When the fun is over, I will be able to hose down all the bits of crabs ect and life will be good. I have it all somewhat planned out. My question is the fire pit. I have heard stories of cement exploding...and I dont want to experience that. I know I can use proper fire brick, but I would like to use brick I have, and I believe it will give it an old and seasoned look that I like. Am I correct in believing that I can use a coal kiln fired red brick safely? They are sorta irrigular, some blackish areas, no holes, so i believe they are coal fired. If anyone else has an oyster roast/grill/ firepit, i would love to see it.

Thanks