Learning how to start a fire in a fire pit isn’t as hard as you might think.
And there’s nothing quite as satisfying as sitting outside around a cozy fire in your fire pit, having a relaxing evening after a long day of hiking, fishing, sightseeing, or just working around the house.
However, before any of that can happen, you have actually to be able to start a fire!
But don’t worry… by following a few simple steps and knowing the right tools and materials to use, you’ll know how to build a fire in a fire pit that will burn long, hot, and bright.
Key Takeaways
- Essential Ingredients: Just like cooking, starting a fire requires the right ingredients. You’ll need a fire starter, tinder, kindling, and seasoned firewood. Fire starters can range from survival matches to butane torch lighters.
- The Fire Triangle: A successful fire needs three elements—heat, fuel, and oxygen. Your fire starter provides the heat, while tinder and kindling serve as the initial fuel. Oxygen is naturally present in the air.
- Tinder Choices: Tinder is the material that catches fire immediately upon contact with a flame. Options include dry pine needles, newspaper, or even cotton balls soaked in Vaseline.
- Kindling is Key: Kindling is slightly heavier than tinder and helps to sustain the fire. Dried twigs and small sticks are excellent choices. Fatwood is also a good option.
- Seasoned Firewood: Opt for hardwoods like maple, oak, or birch for a long-lasting fire. Make sure the wood is dry; green wood will only produce smoke and little heat.
- Building the Fire: Start with a tinder pile and lean kindling against it, forming a mini pyramid or teepee. This structure allows for better airflow, which is crucial for a fire.
- Lighting Technique: Light the tinder in multiple places to ensure an even fire. Timing is crucial when adding firewood; doing it too soon can smother the fire.
- Safety First: Always use a wood-burning fire pit designed for the purpose and keep it at a safe distance from any structures. Use a screened lid to contain sparks, and always have a method to extinguish the fire nearby.
- Maintenance: Keep the fire going by adding more firewood as needed. Stir the fire occasionally to ensure even burning.
- Versatility: The article also touches on alternative methods for starting a fire, such as using wet wood or starting a fire without matches, making it a comprehensive guide for various situations.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Need For Your Fire Pit
- How To Build A Fire In Fire Pit
- Lighting Your Fire
- Keep Your Fire Going
- Fire Pit Safety
- FAQs
- What is a fire pit?
- What are the benefits of a fire pit?
- What is the best way to start a fire in a fire pit?
- What type of wood is best for a wood-burning fire pit?
- How do you put out a fire in a fire pit?
- Can you use gas fire pits instead of wood-burning fire pits?
- How do you prepare the fire pit area before starting a fire?
- Can sticks and twigs be used to start a wood fire in a fire pit?
- What is the best way to ensure my fire pit is safe to use?
- Can a fire pit be damaged by the fire within?
What You’ll Need For Your Fire Pit
When you make a tasty meal, you have to have the right ingredients. Well, the same goes for a fire in a backyard fire pit. But to start a fire, you really only need four things:
1. Grab Your Fire Starter
This is, quite simply, a heat source that is hot enough to start a fire. There are plenty of fire starters that are easy to get and inexpensive.
In fact, you probably have some of them in your home already. Survival matches, a cigarette lighter, a fire piston, or a butane torch lighter all count as fire starters. If the sun isn’t too low in the sky and you have a magnifying glass, you can use that as a fire starter.
Anything that generates a flame – no matter how small – can be used to start a fire, in an outdoor fire pit or anywhere else.
2. Gather Your Tinder
A fire needs three things to exist – heat, fuel, and oxygen. Your fire starter, mentioned above, is your heat source. You don’t have to supply oxygen, because it’s in the air all around you. But the third ingredient – fuel – is something you have to provide. And you should start with dry tinder.
What’s tinder? Tinder is any material that will catch fire as soon as it comes in contact with a flame.
You can use newspaper or scrap paper (shredded documents from your paper shredder work great), dry pine needles or leaves, wood shavings, pine cones, or thin pieces of tree bark.
You can even use cotton balls soaked in Vaseline, empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls, used paper towels, wax-infused rope like the Uberleben Tinder Wick, or dryer lint.
3. Add Lots of Kindling
Next, you’ll need kindling for your fire pit, which is a little heavier than tinder. It won’t catch fire and flame out in a matter of a few seconds, and it’s an important step in building a great fire. For good (and easily found) kindling, you can just use dried twigs and small dry sticks, not more than 1” or so in diameter. Fatwood also works great as kindling.
4. Use Dry and Seasoned Firewood
Think of firewood as the big brother to tinder and kindling. Firewood is large chunks of wood that will burn for a long time, and they’re what you’ll use to keep the fire going in the fire pit once it’s started. The best type of firewood includes hardwoods like maple, oak, ash, and birch. You can use any wood, really, as long as it’s dry. Green wood doesn’t burn very well – it just sits there and pops and smokes.
You can buy seasoned firewood or kiln-dried firewood at a store, or find dry firewood lying on the forest floor. If it still has green leaves on it or doesn’t snap when you try to break it, move on. It’s not seasoned firewood yet.
If all you have access to is wet wood, then please read our how to start a fire with wet wood article.
How To Build A Fire In Fire Pit
Once you have all your ingredients, you’re ready to get a fire started in your outdoor fire pit. So here’s what you do:
Take some of your tinder – not much, maybe a couple of large handfuls – and make a tinder pile in the center of your fire pit. Next, lean some kindling up against it, all around, like you’re building a sort of mini pyramid or teepee. The bottom ends of the kindling are against the tinder, and the top ends extend above it and inward and lean against one another.
When you’re building your wood teepee, start with small pieces of kindling, not more than ¼” or so thick. As you add layers, you can put thicker pieces on as well. Just make sure the thinnest pieces are closest to the tinder. And be sure you don’t completely cover the tinder. It should be visible, and there should be spaces where you can light it with a match or lighter.
The key thing to remember about firewood placement is that fires need oxygen, so make sure you have an open-structured firewood stack.
If you want more detailed information, you can find it in this article about how to build a fire.
Lighting Your Fire
Now it’s time to actually start a fire.
Light your match or lighter and insert it between the kindling to light the tinder. You may want to do this in two or three places around your teepee. The tinder should catch fire immediately, and as it burns, the smallest pieces of kindling will start to burn as well. Within a minute or two, the larger pieces of kindling will be going too.
When your fire is going pretty well – but before the larger pieces of kindling are completely engulfed in flames – start to add a few small pieces of firewood. Timing here is important. If you add firewood too soon, it’ll smother the fire. If you add it too late, there won’t be enough fire to ignite it. After you make a few fires, you’ll get a feel for the right time to start adding firewood.
It could turn out that you want to build a fire but don’t have matches or a lighter — be prepared by reading up on how to build a fire without matches, or check out this list of the best ferro rods.
Keep Your Fire Going
Now it’s just a matter of keeping your fire burning. Once the firewood is burning well, you can add more firewood whenever you wish. And the hotter the fire, the larger the firewood you can use. Don’t waste your kindling at this point. You’ll want to keep it to start the next fire.
If you maintain some sort of teepee structure, even when adding firewood, your fire will burn high and bright. You can also crisscross the wood in layers so it looks like a tic-tac-toe board. The important thing is to build your fire to allow plenty of airflow. Remember, oxygen is the third essential ingredient, and your fire wants a lot of it.
Occasionally, you’ll need to stir the fire with a stick or poker so all the wood burns thoroughly. If the firewood is turning all black and crumbling, it’s time to stir the fire and/or add more wood. If your fire is dying out and you want to bring it back, a few pieces of kindling should do the trick. Never pour lighter fluid or any other flammable liquid on a fire that is already lit.
- DAZZLING FIRE SHOW: Whether you and your family are camping at the lake or sitting around a fire pit in your backyard, you can create a rainbow of colorful magic dancing flames with just one Party Flame color fire packet. You can be sure that these little packets will make your campfire dazzling in the dark.
- SIMPLE & EASY TO USE: Each box contains 4 high-quality packets, these fire color packets are simple and safe to use. All you need to do is to throw in 1 to 2 unopened fire color packets in the already burning flames and sit back and enjoy the color changing flames.
- ALL SEASON CAMPING STUFF: Those who love to be a part of fireworks, bonfires or sitting around a campfire with family or friends, must try this cool camping stuff. No matter what season of the year you choose to light your campfire or fire pit, our color changing fire packets are perfect for manipulating the colors of your flames.
- SUITABILITY: This color fire pack is suitable for outdoor fires like bonfires, campfires and fire pits but it can also be used when you are sitting close to your indoor fireplaces during cold winter nights. When using for indoor fireplaces, make sure the room has plenty of adequate ventilation.
- FUN FOR ALL: The colored flames of a campfire or fire pit give a spectacular view that is loved by all. Whether you are a grown up or a kid, everyone loves to witness the magic flames created by Party Flame fire color changing packets.
- ✅ BUILT TO LAST! Highest quality power welded forks use non-toxic 18/8 304 stainless steel to ensure easy cleaning, no rusting and safe roasting. Smooth finished wooden handles ensure a steady grip and no more hot handles.
- ✅ THE ULTIMATE SMORES MAKER – Let your mouth water after combining your gooey roasted marshmallows to graham crackers and chocolate. Each fork features two perfectly spaced prongs on a strong telescopic arm for maximum control, preventing marshmallows, hot dogs, and veggies from easily spinning on the fork when cooking.
- ✅ SAFE FOR KIDS – Keep your children a safe 32 inches away from any fire while they enjoy a fun time with family. Plus, no more fighting! Multi-colored handle tips make identification easy – No more fighting about which stick belongs to who!
- ✅ EASY CLEANING & STORAGE – Cleaning is as easy as keeping the fork tips in some warm water for 15 minutes and then gently removing any residue with soap and a sponge. Retracting fork design and zippered heat-resistant canvas pouch are convenient for long camping trips or storing at home.
- ✅ PERFECT GIFT FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS – Best Marshmallow Roasting Sticks for anyone looking for a high quality, great value product to enjoy at the cookout with the people you love.
- High quality products: Both the porker stick and the tongs are made from heavy duty steel with new clean powder coated surface, joints and hinges are constructed with care, it’s made to last and won’t let you down when you’re moving large logs or grates
- Poker Stick: Length-32in/81cm, weight-1lb/0.45kg, Heavy duty steel for easy moving of logs or fire grates, protect your hands from accidentally touching the hot fire pit, fireplace, or stove, easy to assemble
- Fireplace Tongs: Length-25in/63.5cm, weight-1.76lb/0.8kg, the smooth open and close action and strong grabbing force makes it easy to get a strong grip on pieces of wood, even if it’s heavy or an unusual shape. The design of the tip also grips small logs perfectly, keep you away from the heat, so you can get the wood exactly where you need it and keep the fire stoked. Folding design makes it easy to storage when not in use
- Incredibly versatile: Whether you’re using an indoor fireplace or wood fire, an outdoor fire pit, a wood burning stove, a boiler or even a smoke house, you’ll find these poker stick and tongs are incredibly useful
- Come with Storage Bag: Toss the detachable poker stick and foldable tong in the storage bag for outdoor adventure.
- DAZZLING FIRE SHOW: Whether you and your family are camping at the lake or sitting around a fire pit in your backyard, you can create a rainbow of colorful magic dancing flames with just one Party Flame color fire packet. You can be sure that these little packets will make your campfire dazzling in the dark.
- SIMPLE & EASY TO USE: Each box contains 10 high-quality packets, these fire color packets are simple and safe to use. All you need to do is to throw in 1 to 2 unopened fire color packets in the already burning flames and sit back and enjoy the color changing flames.
- ALL SEASON CAMPING STUFF: Those who love to be a part of fireworks, bonfires or sitting around a campfire with family or friends, must try this cool camping stuff. No matter what season of the year you choose to light your campfire or fire pit, our color changing fire packets are perfect for manipulating the colors of your flames .
- SUITABILITY: This color fire pack is suitable for outdoor fires like bonfires, campfires and fire pits but it can also be used when you are sitting close to your indoor fireplaces during cold winter nights. When using for indoor fireplaces, make sure the room has plenty of adequate ventilation.
- FUN FOR ALL: The colored flames of a campfire or fire pit give a spectacular view that is loved by all. Whether you are a grown up or a kid, everyone loves to witness the magic flames created by Party Flame fire color changing packets.
Fire Pit Safety
Fires should always be in a wood burning fire pit that is designed for such a purpose. Make sure you have enough room for your fire pit. Never put your outdoor fire pit too close to a house, shed, garage, or any other structure. And be sure to clear away any straw, grass, or any other flammable material from the general area where the fire pit will be located.
Many wood burning fire pits come with a screened lid, and it’s a good idea to keep it in place, removing it only to add more firewood. If you need to stir the fire, use something long enough to keep you a safe distance away. Be sure to avoid wearing loose clothing around the fire, and be careful not to touch the hot metal.
Always extinguish the fire before you walk away and leave it. You may not see any flames, but hot embers are still burning at many hundreds of degrees. A fire can easily reignite and cause a problem if you’re not there to monitor it. You can easily extinguish a fire with water, dirt, or both.
Enjoy your fire!
FAQs
What is a fire pit?
A fire pit is a structure, typically made of metal or stone, designed to contain a fire. It is used for warmth, cooking, and socializing.
What are the benefits of a fire pit?
Fire pits create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, they provide warmth on chilly nights, and they can be used for cooking. They are also great for socializing with friends and family.
What is the best way to start a fire in a fire pit?
The best way to start a fire in a fire pit is to begin with small pieces of dry tinder, such as twigs or dry leaves, and gradually add larger sticks and pieces of seasoned wood. Use a fire starter or lighter to ignite the tinder, and keep adding wood until you have a good flame.
What type of wood is best for a wood-burning fire pit?
Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory are best for a wood-burning fire pit, as they burn longer and hotter than softwoods like pine or cedar. Make sure the wood you use is dry and seasoned, as green or wet wood will produce more smoke and less heat.
How do you put out a fire in a fire pit?
To put out a fire in a fire pit, gradually extinguish the flames by pouring water over the embers and ash. Use a shovel or stick to stir the ashes and make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the fire pit unattended.
Can you use gas fire pits instead of wood-burning fire pits?
Yes, gas fire pits are an alternative to wood-burning fire pits. They are easier to start and require less maintenance, but they don’t provide the same ambiance or warmth as a wood fire.
How do you prepare the fire pit area before starting a fire?
Before starting a fire, clear the area around the fire pit of any flammable materials like leaves or debris. Make sure the fire pit is placed on a non-flammable surface like gravel or concrete, and keep a bucket of water or sand nearby in case of emergency.
Can sticks and twigs be used to start a wood fire in a fire pit?
Yes, small twigs and sticks can be used as kindling to start a wood fire in a fire pit. Make sure they are dry and don’t contain any sap, as this can cause excessive smoke.
What is the best way to ensure my fire pit is safe to use?
Always keep your fire pit clean and free of debris, and make sure the area around the fire pit is clear of any flammable materials. Use only dry and seasoned wood, and never leave a fire unattended. Always extinguish the fire completely before leaving the area.
Can a fire pit be damaged by the fire within?
Yes, if a fire is too hot or too large, it can damage the fire pit. Make sure to use the appropriate size fire for the fire pit and materials used.
- DAZZLING FIRE SHOW: Whether you and your family are camping at the lake or sitting around a fire pit in your backyard, you can create a rainbow of colorful magic dancing flames with just one Party Flame color fire packet. You can be sure that these little packets will make your campfire dazzling in the dark.
- SIMPLE & EASY TO USE: Each box contains 4 high-quality packets, these fire color packets are simple and safe to use. All you need to do is to throw in 1 to 2 unopened fire color packets in the already burning flames and sit back and enjoy the color changing flames.
- ALL SEASON CAMPING STUFF: Those who love to be a part of fireworks, bonfires or sitting around a campfire with family or friends, must try this cool camping stuff. No matter what season of the year you choose to light your campfire or fire pit, our color changing fire packets are perfect for manipulating the colors of your flames.
- SUITABILITY: This color fire pack is suitable for outdoor fires like bonfires, campfires and fire pits but it can also be used when you are sitting close to your indoor fireplaces during cold winter nights. When using for indoor fireplaces, make sure the room has plenty of adequate ventilation.
- FUN FOR ALL: The colored flames of a campfire or fire pit give a spectacular view that is loved by all. Whether you are a grown up or a kid, everyone loves to witness the magic flames created by Party Flame fire color changing packets.
- ✅ BUILT TO LAST! Highest quality power welded forks use non-toxic 18/8 304 stainless steel to ensure easy cleaning, no rusting and safe roasting. Smooth finished wooden handles ensure a steady grip and no more hot handles.
- ✅ THE ULTIMATE SMORES MAKER – Let your mouth water after combining your gooey roasted marshmallows to graham crackers and chocolate. Each fork features two perfectly spaced prongs on a strong telescopic arm for maximum control, preventing marshmallows, hot dogs, and veggies from easily spinning on the fork when cooking.
- ✅ SAFE FOR KIDS – Keep your children a safe 32 inches away from any fire while they enjoy a fun time with family. Plus, no more fighting! Multi-colored handle tips make identification easy – No more fighting about which stick belongs to who!
- ✅ EASY CLEANING & STORAGE – Cleaning is as easy as keeping the fork tips in some warm water for 15 minutes and then gently removing any residue with soap and a sponge. Retracting fork design and zippered heat-resistant canvas pouch are convenient for long camping trips or storing at home.
- ✅ PERFECT GIFT FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS – Best Marshmallow Roasting Sticks for anyone looking for a high quality, great value product to enjoy at the cookout with the people you love.
- High quality products: Both the porker stick and the tongs are made from heavy duty steel with new clean powder coated surface, joints and hinges are constructed with care, it’s made to last and won’t let you down when you’re moving large logs or grates
- Poker Stick: Length-32in/81cm, weight-1lb/0.45kg, Heavy duty steel for easy moving of logs or fire grates, protect your hands from accidentally touching the hot fire pit, fireplace, or stove, easy to assemble
- Fireplace Tongs: Length-25in/63.5cm, weight-1.76lb/0.8kg, the smooth open and close action and strong grabbing force makes it easy to get a strong grip on pieces of wood, even if it’s heavy or an unusual shape. The design of the tip also grips small logs perfectly, keep you away from the heat, so you can get the wood exactly where you need it and keep the fire stoked. Folding design makes it easy to storage when not in use
- Incredibly versatile: Whether you’re using an indoor fireplace or wood fire, an outdoor fire pit, a wood burning stove, a boiler or even a smoke house, you’ll find these poker stick and tongs are incredibly useful
- Come with Storage Bag: Toss the detachable poker stick and foldable tong in the storage bag for outdoor adventure.
- DAZZLING FIRE SHOW: Whether you and your family are camping at the lake or sitting around a fire pit in your backyard, you can create a rainbow of colorful magic dancing flames with just one Party Flame color fire packet. You can be sure that these little packets will make your campfire dazzling in the dark.
- SIMPLE & EASY TO USE: Each box contains 10 high-quality packets, these fire color packets are simple and safe to use. All you need to do is to throw in 1 to 2 unopened fire color packets in the already burning flames and sit back and enjoy the color changing flames.
- ALL SEASON CAMPING STUFF: Those who love to be a part of fireworks, bonfires or sitting around a campfire with family or friends, must try this cool camping stuff. No matter what season of the year you choose to light your campfire or fire pit, our color changing fire packets are perfect for manipulating the colors of your flames .
- SUITABILITY: This color fire pack is suitable for outdoor fires like bonfires, campfires and fire pits but it can also be used when you are sitting close to your indoor fireplaces during cold winter nights. When using for indoor fireplaces, make sure the room has plenty of adequate ventilation.
- FUN FOR ALL: The colored flames of a campfire or fire pit give a spectacular view that is loved by all. Whether you are a grown up or a kid, everyone loves to witness the magic flames created by Party Flame fire color changing packets.
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