How To Start a Fire in a Fire Pit
Imagine a cool evening with friends and family gathered around a warm, crackling fire pit. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors, tell stories, and roast marshmallows. But, to get there, you need to know how to safely and effectively start and maintain a fire in your fire pit.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from fire pit safety to extinguishing the fire properly. Let's dive in and make sure your fire pit nights are both fun and safe.
What You Can and Can't Burn in a Fire Pit
When it comes to what you can burn in your fire pit, stick to natural, untreated wood. Dry leaves, small twigs, and seasoned firewood are perfect. Avoid burning anything that might release toxic fumes, such as plastic, paper, cardboard, or treated wood. These materials can produce harmful smoke that’s bad for your health and the environment.
Gasoline and other accelerants are a big no-no. They can cause dangerous explosions and make your fire uncontrollable. Similarly, burning trash or painted wood is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
What Do You Need to Start a Fire Pit?
To get your fire going, you’ll need a few basic tools and materials. Keep in mind these materials are for a wood-burning fire pit. We have separate instructions for gas fire pits below.
A good lighter or fire starter is essential. While matches or a kitchen lighter can work, a torch lighter is even better because it’s quicker and more efficient.
Tinder is the next important item. This is what you’ll use to get the fire started. Good tinder includes dry leaves, newspaper, pinecones, or small pieces of tree bark. It needs to be dry to catch fire easily.
Kindling is what you’ll use to keep the fire going once the tinder is burning. These are small sticks or twigs that are also dry. They burn longer than tinder and help ignite the larger firewood.
If you’re unfamiliar with tinder and kindling, the Premier Firewood Company has a great writeup on the essentials.
Of course, you’ll also need firewood. Make sure your firewood is dry and seasoned. Wet or green wood will be hard to light and will produce a lot of smoke. Finally, have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher on hand for safety, along with a long stick or poker to manage the fire and a shovel for stirring ashes.
Preparation Before Lighting a Fire
Before you light your fire pit, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure everything goes smoothly. First, check your local regulations. Some places have rules about when and where you can have open fires. Make sure you’re allowed to have a fire pit in your yard.
Next, clear the area around your fire pit. Remove any dry leaves, twigs, or other flammable materials that could catch fire if a spark lands on them.
Also, make sure your fire pit is on a stable, non-flammable surface. This is especially true if you have a portable fire pit. Even if you have the best portable fire pit, you can still put yourself in danger if it’s not safely secured.
It shouldn’t be wobbly or on grass or a wooden deck unless it’s specifically designed for that. (You’ll want to follow the same guidelines if you’re using a rocket stove as well.)
Fire Pit Safety
Safety should always come first when dealing with fire. Before you even think about lighting your fire pit, make sure it’s in a safe location. Keep it at least ten feet away from your house, trees, fences, or any other structures. This distance helps prevent any accidents that might happen if sparks fly.
Never use toxic products to start your fire. Gasoline, lighter fluid, or any other accelerants can be extremely dangerous. Not only can they cause explosions, but the fumes are also harmful to breathe. Stick to natural fire starters like dry leaves or small twigs.
Avoid lighting a fire if it’s windy. Wind can blow sparks into nearby trees or onto your roof, potentially starting an unwanted fire. Always keep a close eye on your fire, making sure it doesn’t get out of control. And if you have kids or pets around, ensure they stay at a safe distance. Also, consider using a fire ring to keep the fire wood in place.
Lastly, never leave your fire unattended. Even if it looks like it’s almost out, the wind can quickly reignite the embers. Always have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
The U.S. Fire Administration has a great, to-the-point page on outdoor fire safety which we highly recommend reading.
Best Way to Start a Fire in a Fire Pit
Remember, how to start an outdoor fire pit depends on the type of fire pit. Below, we’ve provided detailed instructions on how to light a fire in wood-burning fire pits, as well as gas fire pits.
Read on and enjoy!
Building and Lighting Your Wood-Burning Fire Pit
Step 1: Gather Tinder
The first step in building your fire is to gather your tinder. This is the material that will catch fire first and help get the rest of the fire going. Look for small, dry items like leaves, newspaper, or pinecones. Gather a good handful and place it in the center of your fire pit.
Step 2: Gather Kindling
Next, you’ll need to gather kindling. These are slightly larger pieces of wood that will catch fire from the tinder and help ignite the larger firewood. Look for dry sticks and twigs. Arrange them around the tinder in a small pile.
Step 3: How to Place Firewood in Your Fire Pit
Now it’s time to build your fire structure. There are a few different ways to do this, but the three most popular methods are the cross, teepee, and log cabin structures.
Cross Structure: Arrange the tinder in the center of the fire pit, then place the kindling in a crisscross pattern on top. Then add the firewood in a similar crisscross pattern, leaving space for airflow.
Teepee Structure: Place the tinder in the center and stack the kindling around it in a teepee shape. Leave an opening on one side for airflow. Once the kindling is arranged, add the firewood in the same teepee shape.
Log Cabin Structure: Place the tinder in the center and arrange the kindling around it in a small square. Stack the firewood around the kindling in a log cabin pattern, leaving gaps for airflow.
Step 4: Ignite the Tinder
Once your fire structure is built, it’s time to light the tinder. Use a lighter or matches to ignite the tinder from several sides. This will help it catch fire evenly and quickly.
Step 5: Add Firewood
As the kindling catches fire, start adding your firewood. Place the logs in the same structure as the kindling, making sure to leave space for airflow. The firewood should catch fire easily if the kindling is burning well.
How to Start a Fire in a Fire Pit With Logs
If for some reason you don’t have tinder or kindling, and want to try starting the fire with logs only, you’re fighting an uphill battle. Tinder and kindling aren’t too hard to find, so we suggest looking for some and following the typical instructions.
That said, if you really insist on using logs only, here are a few tips:
Firewood: Dry, seasoned logs are crucial. They should be split into smaller pieces to help them catch fire more easily.
Fire starter: Matches, a lighter, or a torch lighter. If you have a commercial fire starter, it can be very useful.
Alternative Kindling: In place of small sticks and twigs, you can use:
Splintered wood: Use an axe or a hatchet to create small, thin splinters from your logs.
Wood shavings: These can be made by shaving off pieces from your firewood using a knife or a sharp tool.
Lighting Gas Fire Pits
Gas fire pits are a bit different from wood-burning ones. There are three main types of gas fire pits: match-lit, electronic ignition, and push-button ignition.
Match-Lit System
For a match-lit system, insert the valve key into the gas supply area of your fire pit. Turn on the gas valve and light a long match. Once you see the flames, remove the match and adjust the flame levels to your liking.
Electronic Ignition
An electronic ignition system is even easier. Simply use a remote control or a phone app to ignite the fire pit. The system will start the pilot flame and then turn on the gas supply to the main burner.
Push-Button Ignition
A push-button ignition system is a convenient middle ground. Turn on the gas valve, press the ignition button, and control the flame with the knob. It’s simple and quick.
How to Keep the Fire Pit Lit
Once your fire is burning, you’ll need to maintain it to keep it going strong. Use a long stick or poker to manage the coals and embers. This helps keep the fire hot and burning evenly. If the fire starts to die down, blow gently on the coals to increase the airflow and reignite the flames.
Add more logs as needed to keep the fire going. Make sure to place them in the same structure as before, leaving space for airflow. And always keep an eye on the fire to make sure it doesn’t get out of control.
Extinguishing the Fire
When it’s time to put out your fire, it’s important to do it safely and thoroughly. For wood-burning fire pits, it’s best to let the fire burn down naturally if you have the time. Stop adding logs about 30 minutes before you plan to extinguish the fire.
If you need to put the fire out quickly, sprinkle water gently over the fire. Avoid dumping a whole bucket of water on the fire, as this can damage your fire pit. Instead, sprinkle water and stir the ashes with a shovel. Repeat this process until the fire is fully extinguished and no embers are glowing.
For gas fire pits, simply turn off the gas supply. Make sure no flames or heat remain before you leave the fire pit unattended.
Those are the basics, but if you want to become an expert on how to put out a fire pit, we have a whole separate writeup on it in our blog.
Cleaning the Fire Pit
Keeping your fire pit clean is important for both safety and longevity. Here’s how to clean different types of fire pits:
Metal Fire Pits
Once the fire pit is cool, scoop out the ashes and dispose of them properly. Wipe the fire pit bowl with a cloth and soapy water. Rinse it with clean water and dry it thoroughly to prevent rust. Cover the fire pit with a lid when not in use to protect it from the elements.
Stone Fire Pits
Remove the ashes and scrub the fire pit bowl with a stiff brush and soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry. Apply a stone sealant to protect the surface from soot and stains.
Gas Fire Pits
Turn off the gas supply and wipe the fire pit with a damp cloth. Dry it thoroughly and cover it when not in use to keep it clean and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I let it burn?
How long wood burns in a fire pit depends on the type of wood you use. Hardwoods like oak, ash, birch, and maple burn longer than softwoods because they are denser. Softwoods catch fire quickly but usually only burn for about 25 to 30 minutes before needing more logs. For a longer-lasting fire, use a combination of softwood to get the fire started and hardwood to keep it burning.
What are the best wood types?
The best types of wood for a fire pit are hardwoods like oak, ash, birch, and maple. These woods burn longer and produce more heat, making them ideal for keeping your fire pit going.
What’s the fastest way to extinguish the fire?
Water is the quickest way to extinguish a fire, but you can also use sand or dirt if needed. Just make sure the fire is completely out before leaving it unattended.
If Your Fire Won’t Start in Your Fire Pit…
Weather Conditions
Weather plays a significant role in your fire pit experience. It's crucial to pay attention to the weather before you start a fire. Avoid lighting your fire pit on particularly windy or rainy days. Wind can blow sparks and embers into nearby trees, bushes, or even onto your house, creating a fire hazard. A strong wind can also make it challenging to control the fire, causing it to spread unexpectedly. On the other hand, rain can dampen your fire pit experience by making it difficult to keep the fire going. Wet conditions can also make the ground slippery and unsafe around the fire pit.
If it's windy, consider using a fire pit with a built-in windbreak or setting up a temporary wind barrier around the pit. This can help shield the fire from strong gusts and prevent sparks from flying out. On slightly breezy days, you might still be able to enjoy your fire pit by placing it in a more sheltered location in your yard, away from the direct path of the wind.
Wood Condition
The condition of your wood is another important factor to consider. Always use dry, seasoned wood for your fire pit. Wet or green wood is difficult to light and tends to produce a lot of smoke, which can be unpleasant and potentially harmful to breathe in. Additionally, wet wood doesn't burn as efficiently, meaning you'll have to use more of it to keep the fire going.
Seasoned wood has been dried out, typically for at least six months, and has a moisture content of less than 20%. This type of wood ignites easily, burns hotter, and produces less smoke. It's also more environmentally friendly because it burns more completely, releasing fewer pollutants into the air. If you only have access to green or wet wood, you can split it into smaller pieces and store it in a dry, covered area for several months to allow it to season.
Check Your Tinder and Kindling
Ensure that your tinder and kindling are dry. Even a small amount of moisture can prevent them from catching fire. If your tinder is damp, try using newspaper or dry leaves instead. For kindling, gather small, dry sticks or twigs. You can also purchase commercial fire starters, which are designed to ignite easily and help get your fire going.
Use the Right Fire Structure
How you arrange your tinder, kindling, and firewood can make a big difference. If one method isn't working, try another. We’ve listed the three different structures above, so scroll up if you need to!
Increase Airflow
Fires need oxygen to burn, so make sure your fire pit is well-ventilated. If the fire isn’t catching, try creating more space between the logs to allow air to flow through. You can also gently blow on the base of the fire to introduce more oxygen, but be careful not to blow too hard and extinguish the flames.
Add More Tinder
If your tinder burns out before the kindling catches fire, add more tinder. Keep feeding small, dry materials into the center of the fire to help sustain the flame until the kindling ignites. Be patient and allow the fire to build gradually.
Use a Fire Starter
Commercial fire starters are a reliable way to get a fire going, especially if you’re having trouble with natural materials. These starters are designed to burn for a long time, providing a consistent flame that can help ignite the kindling and firewood. Place the fire starter under the kindling and light it according to the instructions.
Dry Out Your Wood
If your wood is slightly damp, try splitting it into smaller pieces to expose the drier interior. You can also stack the wood near the fire (but not too close) to let the heat dry it out before adding it to the flames.
Maintain Your Patience
Building a fire can sometimes take time, especially under less-than-ideal conditions. Be patient and don’t rush the process. Continue to adjust the arrangement of your tinder, kindling, and firewood, and keep feeding small amounts of dry material to help the fire grow.
Final Tips
Prioritize safety at all times. Make sure you have the proper tools and materials, and always keep an eye on the fire. Practice makes perfect, so the more you light your fire pit, the better you’ll get. Enjoy your fire pit responsibly and make lasting memories with friends and family. With these tips and guidelines, you’re ready to become a fire pit pro.