When you’ve had a long day, nothing beats a warm wood burning fire. Making warm memories with friends and relaxing is a wonderful way to spend time together. Nevertheless, you must know how to start a fire and keep it burning throughout the night before you can enjoy your relaxing evening. Regardless of your experience level, it is always important to keep fire pit safety in mind when starting a fire in your outdoor fire pit. We are confident that after reading our article, you will never again need lighter fluid to start a fire.
Please keep in mind that this guide is for a wood-burning fire pit rather than a gas fire pit which will require additional steps and guidance.
Preparation Of A Wood-Burning Fire Pit
Now that you have chosen a safe location for your fire, it’s time to gather the necessary items. There isn’t a long list, and everything can be accessed easily.
Firestarter supplies:
Fire Starter: There are many different types of fire starters to choose from. The most common fuel sources are kitchen lighters and matches, which will do the job but are time-consuming. So we recommend using one of our refillable gas utility lighters.
Firelighters: Our organic and wood wool firelighters are all-natural, clean and easy to use. Our Organic Firelighters are made from wood biomass and natural vegetable wax, whilst our Wood Wool Firelighters are made from wood shavings and natural wax.
Kindling: These are sticks that can be burned for a long time. You can start and maintain a fire with our kindling wood sticks. Our softwood kindling has been kiln-dried to less than 20% moisture content and comes in a handy net bag for easy storage.
Firewood: Larger pieces of hardwood such as logs are the main component of a fire, and they keep it burning all night long. Types of wood such as oak, for example, make excellent firewood and tinder material. We use very dense and heavy firewood logs for our premium heat firewood. The heat you receive will be superior because of this.
Now that you have all of the necessary materials, it’s time to get your new fire pit started.
How To Start A Fire Pit Fire
The exciting part: lighting fires without lighter fluid or a butane torch in a fire pit.
- In the bottom centre of the fire pit, place two or three natural firelighters.
Arrange your kindling or dry sticks at a 35-degree angle directly above your tinder to resemble a pyramid. Kindling frameworks should be close enough to each other to allow airflow, but not so close that they interfere with the airflow.
- Next, ignite your tinder pile with your fire starter. You can add your firewood once your kindling starts burning.
- The final step is to pile your kiln-dried firewood pieces of wood into the fire pit. You should arrange your firewood in a pyramid shape, just like your kindling. Leave small gaps between the firewood to allow airflow, but keep the firewood close enough to keep it concentrated.
Maintaining the Flame
Preserving the fire in your fire pit is critical if you want the best fire and for the flame to burn brightly all night. If your firewood isn’t bursting into flames or the fire is going out, try adding more kindling and check the firelighters are burning. Make sure your firewood is in good condition as well. Rotate more pieces of firewood if the logs are all black and crumbling or the flame is dying.
How to Put Out A Fire
Your party is winding down, the marshmallows have all been eaten, and you’re ready to call it quits after successfully lighting and maintaining your fire. The flame must now be safely extinguished from a safe distance.
Using a hose or bucket of water, gently sprinkle water on the fire. It is important not to throw or pour water on your fire pit, as this can cause damage. After you have sprinkled water and the fire has turned to embers, take a shovel and mix the ash and embers until you do not hear any hissing. When the ash is cool, softly touch it and dispose of it properly. Firewood should be stored correctly if it is unused. In extreme cases, a fire extinguisher may be needed if the fire has gone out of control or has caught onto something nearby.
Trying to start the perfect fire takes practice, but by following our DIY steps, you will be one step closer to a roaring flame. For more helpful tips be sure to follow us on Instagram!