A fire pit can be the perfect gathering place to enjoy the fresh air and company of friends and family on warm summer nights, but you’ll need to know how to light your fire pit without kindling if you want it to last through the night! With the right combination of chemicals, wood, and preparation, you can have your fire roaring in no time at all. Check out these five ways how to light a fire pit without kindling, so you can get started enjoying your evening!
How to light a fire pit without kindling
1) Lighter Fluid
When you need to get a fire going quickly and kindling is nowhere in sight, lighter fluid is your friend. Simply soak some paper towels in lighter fluid, toss them into your pit, light with a match and voila! You have no worries about finding dry wood for at least 5 minutes (or until those soaked towels burn out). Just be sure that if you have kids nearby, you’re extra vigilant about safety.
2) Newspaper
Newspapers are flammable and easy to light. Once lit, they burn for an extended period of time, which makes them ideal for lighting fires—especially when you don’t have kindling available. To start a fire using newspaper, simply wet them down (soak in water) so they don’t catch on fire too quickly, and place them underneath your logs before lighting. When your logs have caught fire, dump them into your pit and let your newspaper continue burning for more fuel.
3) Dried Leaves
Leaves and pine needles are two of my favorite natural fire starters. Although you can use them on their own, it’s more convenient (and safer) to pack them with your paper-based tinder, such as paper and cardboard. Dried leaves and pine needles are especially helpful if you live in an area that doesn’t allow fires—they’re easy to store and transport. To start a fire using dried leaves or pine needles, simply place several handfuls into your pit and light them up. Once they catch flame, they should burn for several minutes while you add additional fuel to keep things going.
4) Scrap Wood
You can take scrap wood from anywhere, like small branches and even tree trunks. You can chop or break them into smaller pieces. Scrap wood burns well because it’s made of dried-out branches. This kind of firewood is easy to light and adds instant heat, which is great for quickly getting a fire going. Make sure you have an ample supply, though—if your scrap wood catches on fire it might spread rapidly!
5) Tricks with Matches
Matches may seem like a relic of simpler times, but they’re still an incredibly useful tool for lighting fire pits and campfires. Rather than using kindling and newspaper, use one of these tricks to light your outdoor flame quickly, safely, and efficiently.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for ways to light a campfire or fire pit, knowing these techniques will make your next outdoor gathering easier and more enjoyable. However, don’t forget about preparing for situations where sparks get too close for comfort. If you have children or pets running around, always consider safety first by keeping an eye on them during your outdoor excursions. With some common sense and proper preparation, lighting up any outdoor space is much easier than you think!
