The weather is getting colder, and most people would rather stay indoors. Yet, why should you deprive yourself of enjoying some leisure time on your porch when you have a fire pit to keep you warm?
The problem is that it can get breezy outside, and smoke from the fire pit can be both dangerous and uncomfortable. So, you may be wondering, how much wind is too windy to light a fire pit?
What Is Too Windy for a Fire Pit?
To determine if it’s too windy for a fire pit, you’ll want to take a look at your surroundings.
Firstly, watch the trees around you. If they’re bent over and you can hear the leaves rustling too loud, it’s probably too windy for a fire.
Secondly, take a look at the items in the yard. If the chairs and cushions are being blown over, or if you can feel the wind pushing against your weight, it means it’s too windy for the fire to start.
Here’s something to keep in mind: whether it’s too windy for a fire pit depends on plenty of factors, like the size and location of the fire.
If it’s a bit windy, but the wind isn’t causing the fire to grow larger or throw out sparks, then it’s probably safe to use the pit. On the other hand, if it’s only slightly windy, but the fire is too close to a curtain or something flammable, it’s better to keep the pit turned off for now.
Do Fire Pit Wind Guards Work?
In addition to being a pretty accessory to your outdoor setting, fire pit wind guards are highly functional and a must-have if you live in a windy area.
Fire pit wind guards are useful for sheltering the flames on a tabletop fire pit. They make the blaze burn uniformly instead of being skewed in one direction.
They also do a great job preventing sparks and embers from flying to nearby objects, which can be hazardous. On top of that, they prevent small fires from being blown out.
The key to choosing a good wind guard is getting one made of tempered glass, and at least 6 inches tall. The height depends on the size of your fire, but many brands make them at 8 inches.
To ensure safety, the brackets holding the shield together should be heat resistant. Also, decent wind guards have rubber feet to prevent the setup from moving and scratching the table surface.
Do Fire Pit Wind Guards Block Heat?
Being in such close proximity, fire pit wind guards will absorb some of the heat from the fire. So, you can assume that some of the heat is being taken away.
However, the screen will block the wind from extinguishing the fire. So, it’s essentially causing more heat in your fire pit. Therefore, no, fire pit wind guards don’t block the heat.
Safety Rules for Outdoor Fire Pits
As beautiful as bonfires can be, there are a few tips to follow to safely enjoy their warmth.
For starters, it can be dangerous to build a campfire in windy weather because embers can start sparking and cause fires or injuries.
Secondly, you need to keep your fire away from anything flammable. This includes outdoor furniture, curtains, and even trees and leaves. Even if it’s not windy, you never know when the sudden, unexpected wind will blow, so it’s better to stay safe.
Finally, avoid lighting a campfire in extremely hot and dry weather, especially during strong winds. Cinder can spread easily and cause disasters.
How Can You Make a Fire Pit on a Windy Day?
Now that we’ve got the safety measures down, let’s explore how to make a campfire on a mildly windy day.
If you want your fire to keep burning for a long time, you should use large pieces of wood and build the blaze fast. Using smaller twigs will cause the bonfire to extinguish quickly.
Another idea is to make a natural wind guard by digging a hole and lighting up the fire inside it. When the campfire is sheltered from the breeze, it will make brighter flames and produce more heat.
Additionally, you can opt for seasoned wood instead of the regular types. This variety is dry, so it lights up quickly and more efficiently.
You can also arrange the logs in a teepee shape. This formation makes the fire resistant to the wind because it produces bigger flames and creates a current of upward-rising air.
Lastly, you can use lots of tinder and kindling to ensure the fire starts quickly and prevent it from being extinguished when it’s still young.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, you can tell if it’s too windy by observing your surroundings. If objects are flying across the garden or your trees are bent over, then it’s probably too windy to start a fire. Additionally, if you feel strong wind against your weight, it’s better to keep the fire off for now.
Fire pit wind guards are excellent for keeping the flames contained. If the weather is slightly windy, you can make a good campfire by digging a hole, arranging the logs like a teepee, and using plenty of kindle and tinder.
However, it’s generally better to wait out the weather. Both wind and fire are unpredictable, and they don’t make a good combo.
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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