Don't Use Your Outdoor Fire Pit Until You Read This!

Everyone knows how to start a wood fire, don't they? I mean, hasn't "man" instinctively known how to start a fire since the time of Homo erectus, even before mass production of the outdoor fire pit?

Actually, starting a wood fire can be tricky, if not embarrassing. Stuffing wads of newspaper underneath a few logs sometimes works. Of course, by the time you've used all your newspaper, created a lot of smoke, dropped a few expletives, and made a big mess, everyone else has taken their marshmallows inside.

There are easier ways to build a safe fire in your outdoor fire pit and impress everyone. The following tips should help:

One

Having purchased a well-made outdoor fire pit, placed it a safe distance from flammable objects, and gathered an ample supply of necessary materials, start by loosely piling dry tinder centered in the bottom of the fire pit.

Tinder can be anything that's dry, brittle or fibrous and burns easily. Its primary function is to ignite the kindling. Dead grass, pine needles, leaves, wood shavings, Pistachio shells, wooden Popsicle sticks and shredded bark are some examples. Make sure tinder is completely free of moisture, or you won't look like you know what you're doing.

Although often overlooked, oxygen is an essential ingredient that must be worked into the mix during every step. Simply pile your tinder loosely, as opposed to jamming those thick wads of newspaper in every crack and crevice.

Two

Using your favorite ignition source, such as a long-stemmed wooden match or long-neck disposable lighter, start a small flame burning in the tinder.

Three

Loosely spread some kindling over the tinder flame. You can smother the flame by adding too much too quickly, so wait until the first pieces catch fire before adding the rest.

Kindling's main purpose is to intensify the flame before adding the larger pieces of firewood, which serve as the fuel.

Thin tree branches, twigs, small sticks, and splintered wood strips are some examples of kindling. As with tinder, kindling must be completely dry with plenty of allowance for oxygen flow as you pile it on. Using tinder and kindling in this way will quickly produce a bright blaze in your outdoor fire pit.

Four

It's time to ignite your fuel when the kindling fire is hot. Taking care to allow free flow of oxygen, stack dry, well-seasoned firewood over the flame. Once ignited, these larger, thicker pieces of wood will help the fire burn longer and hotter.

Stacking your firewood densely may quickly turn your outdoor fire pit cold. Until the firewood is ablaze, use one of several stacking options, such as leaning a couple of pieces of firewood together tepee style.

Start with just one or two pieces of firewood. Aside from the personal safety risks, it's just as embarrassing to have too big of a fire that drives your guests away and burns your house down.

For quick fuel ignition, softwoods are better. Once ignited, however, hardwoods burn hotter and longer, and they're better for heating and cooking. If you have both on hand, use softwood first to build the fire.

Epi-log

Having followed these steps, you can sit around your outdoor fire pit with friends and family, basking in the warmth of your newfound mastery. Just wipe the marshmallow goo from your chin.

Chris Basher is the owner of FirePitNow.com , a unique online source for outdoor fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, gel bowls, patio heaters, wood racks and holders, mosquito traps and other backyard products. FirePitNow.com features both wood burning and gas fire pits in a number of styles from reputable manufacturers. With core values that focus on customer service and quality products, shopping at FirePitNow.com is a pleasure. Mr. Basher's interest and knowledge relating to safe use of outdoor fire pits and related products stem from years of camping in the Adirondack Mountains of New York and backyard landscaping at home. Additional information regarding selection and use of outdoor fire pits and related products may be found at FirePitNow.com.