In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on wood types, tinder and wood dryness for those who are using this material for their outdoor fire pits. Fire pits are perfect for a wide variety of uses, and even more so if you know the proper approaches to collecting wood and starting fires.
At Comfort Solutions Fireplace, fire pits are just some of our many outdoor heating options for clients around Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah. Today’s part two of our series will switch gears a bit and look at how to ignite and put out wood fires in your outdoor fire pit.
Begin With Tinder
As you’re getting started with your fire, the best place to begin is tinder. Tinder is a material made up of anything that can provide an initial spark and catch flame easily, such as dry twigs or paper. When laid in a crisscross pattern it will form a kindling base to help get the larger wood pieces burning.
As you’re doing this, think about the size of the sticks and logs you’re using. It’s important to keep them relatively small, as large pieces of wood can take a long time to heat up and catch flame.
Construct a Teepee
Next up, once you have a base of tinder, it’s time to construct the teepee. This is a popular approach to starting fires, as the structure allows oxygen to flow freely and keeps the fire burning at a steady and controlled rate.
As you build this up, make sure that you’re alternating small pieces of wood with larger sticks on top. This will help ensure a steady fire as the smaller pieces will ignite more quickly and provide enough heat to warm up the larger sticks. Be sure to leave an open space that allows oxygen to be drawn in and helps the fire breathe.
Ignite Your Fire
The last step is to ignite your fire. With tinder, you can use matches, a lighter or kindling sticks with sparks from a flint and steel. Once you have an initial spark, it’s time to carefully blow on the base of the teepee. This will help the tinder catch flame and bring the fire to a steady burn.
Put Out Your Fire
Once you’re done with your fire, it’s important to make sure that it has been properly put out so as not to spark any unwanted flames. To do this, simply pour a bucket of water over the burning wood until it has been completely extinguished. If you have any remaining embers, make sure that you stir the ashes and repeat the process until all of them are gone.
Safety Comes First
As with any fire, safety should always come first when using your outdoor fire pit. Always be sure to keep an eye on the flames and use caution when adding more wood. Additionally, make sure to ask for help if needed and store your kindling safely so that it does not catch fire accidentally.
Remember, at Comfort Solutions Fireplace we specialize in providing excellent outdoor heating solutions for clients around Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah. For more information or questions about our other heating options, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!