Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

To start fire in a fire pit, you need dry kindling, a small tinder bundle, and enough airflow to keep the flame growing. Once the base catches, you can add larger fuel and build a steady fire in under 20 minutes. The steps below cover materials, layout and the most common reasons fires die out.

What You Need Before You Light

Gather everything before you strike a match. A fire pit fire is easiest to manage when all your fuel is within arm’s reach.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Liquid Propane Fire Pit Models for Patios and Backyards (2026).

  • Tinder: dry cotton balls with petroleum jelly, dryer lint, or crumpled newspaper
  • Kindling: pencil-thin to thumb-thick dry sticks, roughly 4 to 6 inches long
  • Fuel: split seasoned hardwood, 2 to 4 inches thick, for once the fire is established
  • Long matches or a long-handled lighter
  • A metal bucket of water or a garden hose within reach
  • A fire-safe poker or tongs

Step-by-Step: Building the Starter Fire

Step 1: Clear and check the pit

Remove ash from previous fires, but leave a thin layer if you have it, since it helps insulate the base. Confirm the pit sits on level, non-flammable ground and that nothing overhangs it. Most manufacturers recommend keeping the fire well clear of structures, and many specify a minimum distance; check your product’s manual for the exact figure.

Step 2: Lay the tinder nest

Place a loose handful of tinder in the center of the pit. Keep it fluffy rather than packed, because air needs to move through it. Add two or three small pieces of kindling leaning over the tinder in a teepee shape.

Step 3: Add more kindling

Build a second layer of kindling around the teepee, leaving gaps between pieces. Dense stacks smother a young flame, while loose stacks let it climb. Aim for a structure that is roughly twice as tall as the tinder nest.

Step 4: Light from the bottom and watch the airflow

Light the tinder at its base in several spots. Keep your face to the side rather than directly over the pit. Hold the flame steady for a few seconds, then let the kindling take over. If the flame dies, the usual cause is too much fuel too soon or too little air.

Growing and Maintaining the Fire

Once the kindling is burning hot and steady, add larger pieces of hardwood one or two at a time. Place them with space between each piece so air can reach the base. Avoid adding a whole armload at once, which can smother the flames and produce heavy smoke.

If you want to keep the fire going longer, rake coals toward the center and add wood there rather than letting the edges burn out. Keep the fire to a manageable size for the pit’s diameter. Never leave a fire unattended, and have a bucket of water or a hose ready until the fire is fully out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using lighter fluid or gasoline on a fire pit. These can flare up dangerously, even after the flame appears to be out.
  • Packing kindling too tightly, which blocks oxygen.
  • Starting with logs that are too thick. Large pieces need a hot, established bed of coals first.
  • Burning wet or green wood, which smokes heavily and struggles to ignite.
  • Skipping the wind check. Sparks can travel and ignite dry grass or nearby fabric.

A long-reach fire starter makes the first few minutes safer and easier, since you can light the tinder without leaning over the pit. View on Amazon

Fire-resistant gloves let you adjust logs and move coals without burning your hands. View on Amazon

A sturdy fire poker helps you spread coals and push wood toward the center of the pit. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can I use lighter fluid to start a fire in a fire pit?

Fire-safety guidance generally advises against lighter fluid, because it can flare suddenly and cause serious burns. Dry tinder and kindling are safer and work well in nearly all conditions.

Why does my fire keep going out?

The most common cause is insufficient airflow, usually from stacking kindling too densely or adding too much wood at once. Use smaller, drier pieces and leave space between them.

How long should I wait before adding larger logs?

Wait until the kindling is burning steadily and the flames have settled into a hot base, which typically takes several minutes. Then add one or two split logs at a time.

Conclusion

Starting a fire in a fire pit comes down to dry tinder, loose kindling and steady airflow. Once the base is established, larger wood can follow safely. Keep water nearby, never leave the fire unattended, and check local burn rules before you light.

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Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our backyard living & play guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.