The temperature has started to drop but that doesn’t mean you have to move all your entertaining indoors. Many backyard patios now have a built-in fire pit or a portable chiminia making outdoor gatherings possible right up until that first snow fall. But nothing is more frustrating than a fire that just won’t light. Listed below are some helpful tips to get that fire roaring in no time!
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- While it’s important to clean your pit out after every use, always leave about ½ inch of ash in the bottom. This old ash acts as insulation and helps capture the heat pushing it back to the top.
- Small pieces of dry wood called kindling is the first step. Place the first layer of kindling all going in the same direction and then stack several additional layers in alternating directions.
- For best results insert a fire starter into the center of the stack. You can purchase logs of compressed sawdust or make your own out of newspaper rolls.
- Light the starter which will then start the kindling burning. Normally a fire with just kindling will last about 15-30 minutes.
- For a longer lasting fire, after the kindling is totally engaged place larger logs on in the same pattern as the kindling. Continue to add larger pieces through-out the evening as needed.
Remember that safety is paramount. Don’t leave the fire unattended anytime during the evening and make sure it’s completely out before retiring for the night.
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