How to Start a Fire in a Fire Pit: Easy, Safe Steps for Beginners

How to Start a Fire in a Fire Pit: Easy, Safe Steps for Beginners

Want to know how to start a fire in a fire pit safely and easily? Whether you're prepping for a backyard hangout, cooking outdoors, or enjoying a quiet night, this step-by-step guide will help you light a fire in minutes — no stress, no smoke in your eyes.

Bonus: Looking for a wood-burning fire pit Shop Our Fire Pits built for real firewood and backyard experiences that last.

What You Need to Start a Fire in a Fire Pit

Before you get started, gather the following essentials:

  • Dry, seasoned firewood (hardwoods like oak, hickory, or maple are best)

  • Kindling (twigs or thin sticks to ignite the firewood)

  • Natural fire starters (crumpled newspaper, fatwood, or eco-firelighters)

  • Long lighter or matches

  • Optional: fire poker, heat-resistant gloves, and spark screen

💡 Pro tip: Only use seasoned hardwood. It burns hotter, cleaner, and with less smoke than green or softwood.

Step-by-Step: How to Start a Fire in Your Fire Pit (Safely)

Step 1: Clean Out the Fire Pit

Remove ash, old wood, or debris from previous fires to allow airflow and ensure safety.

Step 2: Add Fire Starters

Place fire starters in the center of the pit — this will be the base of your flame.

Step 3: Build a Kindling Structure

Use either:

  • Teepee Method: Stack kindling in a cone shape around the starters.

  • Log Cabin Method: Create a square stack with airflow gaps in between.

Step 4: Stack Firewood Over Kindling

Place 2–3 logs of seasoned hardwood over the kindling. Leave space for air to circulate — airflow is key.

Step 5: Light the Fire

Use a long match or lighter to ignite your fire starters. The kindling will catch, and heat will rise into the logs.

Step 6: Add Logs as Needed

Once the fire is stable, add a few more logs slowly. Don’t overcrowd the pit or you risk smothering the flame.

Fire Pit Safety Tips

  • Keep your fire pit 10–20 feet away from any structures or trees.

  • Never use lighter fluid or gasoline.

  • Have a water bucket or fire extinguisher nearby.

  •  Use a spark screen to reduce flying embers.

Why Hardwood is the Best Firewood for Your Fire Pit

  • Oak, hickory, and maple offer longer burns, better heat, and less smoke.

  • Avoid softwoods like pine or fir — they burn quickly and produce more smoke.

  • Always choose dry, seasoned wood. Green wood is frustrating and smokes a lot.

 Want more info? Read our full guide: Best Firewood for Fire Pits

Shop Wood-Burning Fire Pits 

Starting a fire is only half the experience — your fire pit matters too. Ours are built to handle real hardwood and turn your backyard into a year-round gathering spot.

Back to blog