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There is nothing better than sitting around an open fire pit on a cool summer’s night, but if you don’t know how to light a fire pit, there’s no use investing in this bit of kit. Thankfully, the art of lighting a fire isn’t as complicated as you might think. Once you have the right equipment and are armed with knowledge, you’ll be able to start up a roaring fire in your fire pit in no time at all.
So, if you’re unsure how to light a fire pit, follow our step-by-step guide below.
Before you get started, read our blog on UK BBQ Laws
Guide Contents
- Gathering materials – what do you burn in a fire pit?
- Arranging the wood
- Fire lighting
- Keeping a fire going
- Fire extinguishing
1. Gathering materials – What do you burn in a fire pit?
Before you get started learning how to light a fire pit, you will need to make sure that you have the right materials to hand to do so. Choose high-quality, trusted brands over cheaper, inferior materials. This will ensure a longer burn time.
Wood
Wood is the main ‘ingredient’ for any fire. You should choose a hardwood for the best possible results, you can read our guide on The Best Types of Wood For Your Firepit for more advice on the right kind of wood to use. A standard-size firepit will need a decent size bag of logs to keep you going for an evening.
Kindling
Kindling helps the fire to spread and catch in your fire pit, so is a complete necessity. Pine bark and dry sticks work well for this purpose.
Fire starters
The best way to get your fire going quickly is fire starters. Use these in place of tinder.
Matches/Lighter
Of course, you’ll need something to spark a flame. Use matches or long lighters.
Tinder
This is a material that is easy to set alight, helping your logs to start burning faster. Pinecones, paper, and dry leaves can be used.
2. Arranging the wood
Next, you’ll need to arrange the wood, kindling and tinder inside your firepit.
First, place 2 logs down with a gap between them, and then stacking two on top of them in the opposite direction. Do this once more so you have 3 layers of logs stacked in a Jenga-like fashion.
Secondly, put your tinder in the centre of your logs and disperse some kindling amongst this – there should be a nice space for it to slot into. If you have fire starters, place an appropriate amount of them down (each manufacturer differs so read the instructions).
3. Lighting your fire
Your next task will be to light the fire. This isn’t as complicated as some might make it look.
Simply use your matches or lighters to light the tinder, kindling and/or fire starters. Give it a minute or two to catch and monitor the flames, shuffling logs and materials around as needed.
Here’s an informative video that will help you to get your head around the process.
Credit to CertainlyWood
4. Keeping the fire going
Once your fire pit is lit, you’ll need to keep the fire going consistently, especially if you are cooking food on it. Using the right materials will give you the best chance of a long-burning fire, but there are other steps you can take to maintain the flames.
- Set up a windbreak
- Ensure your pit is dry before using it
- Keep adding firewood, but not so much that it smothers the flames
- Add more kindling as and when needed
- Ensure your pit has ventilation to allow oxygen flow
5. Extinguishing the fire
Now you know how to light a fire pit, you also need to know how to extinguish the flames inside it. Putting your fire out properly is vital, especially if you are camping. Leaving a fire pit smouldering can lead to disaster. The quickest way to extinguish your fire pit is to put a purpose-built fire pit lid on it, ensuring any vents are closed. This will cut off the oxygen supply to the fire and kill the flames.
If you can’t monitor the pit until the ashes are completely cold, you can effectively smother the embers with water or sand, poking the ashes around until the fire is out.
Anna is the marketing and office manager for Garden Benches – a premium supplier of high-quality wooden benches and other outdoor furniture.
