You’ve bought and installed a fire pit. Congratulations!
It’s time to invite all your friends and family to enjoy gathering around the fire for fun talks and tasty meals.
Not so fast! You forgot the most important thing.
How can you light a fire pit and keep it going without mistakes?
You’re in luck because I will explain in detail how to do it and highlight the tools and techniques you’ll need for a functioning and relaxing warm fire pit.
How to Light a Fire Pit
Using the proper materials and following the appropriate steps are crucial for igniting your fire pit. They will also help you avoid common hiccups like smothering smoke or a fire pit that goes out prematurely.
If you have a propane, natural gas, or bioethanol fire pit, you can stop reading after the following sentence:
After checking all the connections, turn the knob and set the required flame height to enjoy your fire.
That’s it. Your job is done, and this is the beauty of these easy-to-operate fire pits.
This is also true for electric fire pits that are usually used indoors and are pretty safe, although not suitable for large outdoor areas. You might also add some decorative logs or lava.
But what if you have a wood-burning fire pit?
Nothing beats the warmth and elegance of the flames of wood-burning fire pits. In addition to providing warmth and comfort, these models create the perfect ambiance in your outdoor area.
The only issue with wood fire pits is that they take more time and effort to ignite, and as a newbie, your job might be a bit more challenging.
Luckily, you’ve found this step-by-step guide as I walk you through the entire process.
1 – Set Up Your Pit
After successfully installing your pit, it’s time to get it ready for the fire by spreading a thin layer of gravel or sand at the bottom of the fire bowl.
This layer protects the bowl from the heat without affecting the traditional look of the flames.
If you’ve used the fire pit before, clear away the ashes and any residual to prevent blocking the airflow.
2 – Arrange the Logs
There’s an art to arranging wooden logs so they can catch fire and stay lit until you decide that it’s time to turn your fire pit off.
Start by arranging the thickest logs in a row, then add two or three logs perpendicularly.
After that, you should add thinner logs, creating the heart of the fire.
Arrange the kindling logs around your fire’s heart and add some to the top layer.
3 – Start Kindling
Using the big logs to start your fire is like setting fire to brick. It won’t work.
Always start kindling by igniting dry branches, twigs, and small shavings that light up quickly to get your fire started.
I always recommend using softwood for this step because it ignites fast, although it doesn’t stay lit for long.
You can add balled-up newspaper sheets or pine cones as a catalyst under your branches and twigs or use manufactured fire starters.
Firesteel is a convenient option and can be used for a long period before it goes out. But it’s not that easy to use and lacks the classic vibe of traditional fire-starting techniques.
You can also use a lighter or a long match. I prefer using a butane lighter because it’s easier and faster.
I also love how convenient a butane lighter is as you can keep it on until all the kindling logs are properly lit. If you need to reignite your fire, it will be easy to reach.
Do You Need Lighter Fluid for a Fire Pit?
Lighter fluid is a common household item, usually used for portable stoves and cleaning purposes. But I don’t recommend using it for starting a fire in your fire pit.
Here’s why.
- Lighter fluid is highly flammable and can cause dangerous flare-ups if not used properly. It may lead to dangerous accidents and injuries if used on an open fire, as it burns pretty fast, unlike kindling logs that slowly transfer the fire to the logs.
- The chemical smell and taste of the lighter fluid will fill your space and affect the ambiance. It will also transfer to any food you attempt to cook on your fire pit.
- Compared to the cost of dry twigs and branches that you can collect from your garden, lighter fluid isn’t the most cost-efficient option to light your fire.
What Time Can You Light a Fire Pit?
There are almost no laws against lighting up a backyard fire pit, but you can check with your local community for any fire pit regulations.
But even if there are no laws, common courtesy should apply.
Some communities set rules against overnight burning or have some noise and air quality regulations.
I prefer not lighting my fire pit too early because the cool morning weather can trap the smoke near the ground. As a result, your neighbors might be annoyed by your fire pit.
Ideally, you should wait until the ground has warmed up a little, as the warmth will allow the smoke to dissipate properly.
I usually start lighting my fire in the early evening, which gives me a few hours of warmth and coziness before the crackling fire and any guests’ noise can disturb my neighbors.
What are the Best Safety Tips For a Fire Pit?
Lighting a fire pit is a fool-proof way to enjoy many relaxing evenings. But safety always comes first.
Here are the best safety tips for lighting a fire pit.
- Before you start your fire, make sure that there’s a nearby and accessible extinguisher, and learn to use it well in the case of an emergency. You can also have a water hose, buckets, or sand to put out the fire.
- Pick a suitable location for your fire pit, at least ten feet away from nearby buildings, combustibles, and branches. Trim overhanging branches to prevent them from catching fire.
- Place seats and chairs at least five feet away from the pit.
- Don’t allow kids or pets near the fire, and never leave the fire unattended. At least one person should be responsible for watching the fire pit at all times to put it out when needed.
- Keep the fire contained within the fire pit and keep an eye on flying embers and sparks. If the flame grows too large, extinguish the fire.
- Protect the fire pit from the wind, which can blow the embers and intensify the flames.
- Allow the fire to completely die down if possible, or douse the embers until no hot spots are left.
- Dispose of the cold ashes in a metal container.
Final Thoughts
Starting a propane, natural gas, or bioethanol fire pit has never been easier. These models are designed to be easy to use, and even a first-timer can make them operate with no issues.
A wood-burning fire pit can be a little bit complicated to ignite, but this is exactly what makes it special.
Always pick suitable kindling wood and logs you’ll use to keep your fire going. Arranging the logs to allow the air to circulate won’t smother the fire, and using the right technique to ignite it guarantees it will burn as much as you need it to.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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