You’re hosting a get-together at your home. There’s a fire pit outside your back door, and you want to make sure there’s an ample supply of fire-starting materials for your guests. How can you start a fire in the fire pit? If you don’t have experience with starting fires in a fire pit, it can seem like an intimidating task. However, once you know what to do, starting a fire in a fire pit is easy! Fire pits are meant to be put to use, so get ready to host some company by learning how to start a fire in a fire pit!
How To Start A Fire In A Fire Pit?
Use a Propane Torch
A propane torch can be a quick and easy way to build a fire in your fire pit. Be careful not to get too close to the wood, though, as a propane torch burns at over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit and can ignite or scorch the wood. A propane torch can be purchased at any hardware store. The brand that we’ve worked with for years is the Bernzomatic torch. It’s affordable, lightweight, easy to use, and very effective in starting fires. You can also try a Butane Torch, which is lighter and smaller, making it easier to light larger logs.
Lay Some Kindling
You’ve got some dry leaves or twigs you’ve collected from outside? Great, you’ve got some kindling to burn! You’ll want to start small. Use kindling instead of big logs right off the bat. They’ll take a while to catch fire, but once they do, they’ll create enough of a flame to keep the fire going. When you’ve got a good amount of small kindling pieces, stack them up next to your logs. This can also be done with paper. The paper will slowly burn, creating embers that will help ignite the logs. Once you’ve got a good pile of kindling built up near your logs, you can place your fire starter on top.
Use Dryer Lint
There’s a reason that firefighters recommend that you clean out your lint trap every so often. Dryer lint is made of cotton fibers, which are highly flammable. This makes it an excellent way to start a fire. You’ll want to gather a good amount of dryer lint. A few handfuls should be enough to start a fire. Once you’ve collected it, simply place it in your fire pit. Once the lint has been ignited by the sparks from your fire starter, it will slowly burn, creating embers. If you wish to speed up the process, you can crumple up the lint and place it directly onto your fire starter.
Use Dried Leaves and Grass
If you’ve got some leaves and/or grass that’s dried out, you can use that as kindling to help get your fire started. Start by finding as many dried leaves and grass as you can. You’ll want to make sure it’s completely dried out. Once you’ve got enough, place it in your fire pit. You’ll want to build up a small pile of dried leaves and grass. Just like with the dryer lint, you’ll want to place your fire starter on top. The dried leaves and grass will slowly crumble away, creating embers that will help ignite your logs.
Use a Fire Starter Stick
A fire starter stick can be a quick and easy way to start a fire in your fire pit. You’ll just have to make sure that it’s been kept away from water and is dry enough to ignite. Be careful not to get too close to the wood. Fire starter sticks usually reach temperatures of over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than a propane torch! There are various fire starter sticks available on the market. Some are made with wood and flint, while others are made of paraffin wax.
How To Start A Fire In A Fire Pit With Misting Spray And Waxed Paper?
Misting spray and waxed paper are great for getting a quick and easy fire started in a fire pit! There are a few different ways you can use these fire starters. To start a fire in a fire pit with misting spray and waxed paper:
- Start by tearing off a piece of waxed paper.
- Place the piece of waxed paper in the bottom of the fire pit.
- Place a few spritzes of misting spray on top of the waxed paper.
- Grab a long match-stick or a long lighter and light the piece of waxed paper.
- Once the waxed paper is fully on fire, add it to the rest of the kindling in the fire pit.
- Continue to add more misting spray and pieces of waxed paper to the fire until all of the misting sprays have been used.
How To Start A Fire In A Fire Pit Using Logs?
Logs are a great option for starting a fire in a fire pit, but they take a bit more time and effort than other types of fire starters! To start a fire with logs:
- Place a few logs inside the fire pit.
- Place a fire starter, long match-stick, or a long lighter on top of the logs.
- Once the logs start to burn and the fire starter is fully on fire, add the burning fire starter to the logs.
- Continue to add logs to the fire until you have enough logs to start a full fire in the fire pit.
Why You Should Start A Fire In Your Fire Pit?
You can roast marshmallows and hot dogs
There’s nothing quite like roasting marshmallows on the open flame of a fire pit. If you’re lucky enough to have some nice weather, it’s the perfect way to spend a warm summer night. Not only is it fun to roast, but you can also use the coals to make delicious hot dogs as well. You can also use a long skewer to roast vegetables for a healthy and delicious treat. Just be careful to rotate them often so that they don’t burn.
You can grill burgers, chicken, and veggies
You can use your fire pit to grill delicious burgers, chicken, and vegetables. All you need is a sturdy grate and you’re good to go! If you want to add a little something extra, you can use your fire pit to add some smoky flavor to your patties before you put them on the grill. It’ll also help to keep your grill clean and help to prevent food from sticking.
You can have s’mores
Who doesn’t like a good old-fashioned s’more? They’re the perfect treat to eat in front of a roaring fire when it’s nice and dark outside. If you’re roasting s’mores on an open flame, you run the risk of them burning. However, it’s not as risky with a fire pit. You can make a bunch at once and keep them warm for any guests who want one.
You can turn it into a spa
If you’ve got a spa in your backyard, then you know how nice it is to relax in there whenever you have time. Why not bring the spa to the backyard by turning your fire pit into a mini spa? Just fill it with water and add some bubbles, and you’ve got a perfect place to relax after a long day at work.
You can use your fire pit as a garden incinerator
If you’re looking for a unique way to get rid of garden waste, why not turn your fire pit into an incinerator? It’s easy to do and will help to keep your garden free of unwanted pests and weeds. It’s also a great way to recycle! All you need to do is pile up your waste and light it with a long-handled lighter.
Tips For Starting Fires In Fire Pits
- Make sure everything is dry! The drier your firewood and fire starters, the easier it will be to start a fire in your fire pit.
- Make sure you have enough firewood! You’ll need enough firewood to maintain an even fire until it has burned out.
- Remember to stir the fire every few minutes. Stirring the fire ensures an even burn and helps prevent the fire from dying out.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case! Fires are dangerous and need to be monitored at all times.
Wrapping Up
Enjoy the warm glow of a crackling fire and the fresh smell of burning wood with these easy fire-starting tips! Fire pits are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and make your backyard feel like a cozy living room. With the right fire-starting materials, you’ll have a roaring fire in no time! Now that you know how to start a fire in a fire pit, there’s no reason to spend another evening indoors!
