How to Use a Fire Pit

On this page (8 sections)

1. What is a fire pit?
2. How do you prepare a fire pit area?
3. How do you choose fire pit fuel?
4. How do you light and operate a wood-burning fire pit?
5. How do you operate a propane or electric heater?
6. How do you protect a patio from a fire pit?
7. How do you put out a fire pit?
8. What should you check after using a fire pit?

To use a fire pit safely, prepare a clear fire-safe area, choose the correct fuel, control the flame, and extinguish it completely before leaving. Check local fire rules and the manufacturer's instructions before your first fire.

A fire pit can mean a wood-burning bowl, a propane unit, or another outdoor heating device. Review propane fire pit safety guidance before using a gas model.

The right setup depends on the fuel, the surface, the weather, and the space around it.

What is a fire pit?

A fire pit is an outdoor fixture or appliance made to contain a flame or provide heat. Wood-burning fire pits use logs and produce embers, while propane and electric heaters create warmth without a wood fire.

A wood fire gives you flames, glowing coals, and smoke. A propane or electric option may suit a patio where handling logs, ash, or smoke is less practical.

If you're deciding between heating styles, compare patio heaters and fire pits before buying. A patio heater or fire pit may be the better choice depending on whether you want a visible fire, adjustable heat, or simpler cleanup.

How do you prepare a fire pit area?

Place the fire pit on a stable, noncombustible surface with open space around it. For help arranging the space, see backyard fire pit area planning.

Stone, brick, gravel, or a fire-safe pad can help shield the ground from heat.

Move patio furniture, cushions, rugs, plants, stored items, and other combustibles away from the fire. Keep the area clear above the pit as well, including low branches, umbrellas, awnings, and roof overhangs.

The Sunnydaze Crossweave 36" Large Outdoor Fire Pit is a wood-burning round steel fire pit with a 36-inch outer ring, a 31-inch fire bowl, and a 24-inch height with the spark screen installed. Its fire bowl is 11 inches deep, and the product includes a spark screen, fire poker, and cover.

Sunnydaze recommends stone, brick, gravel, or a fire-safe pad rather than placing the bowl directly on a heat-sensitive surface. For deck use, compare wood deck fire pit mats and confirm the product is rated for your setup.

Its bowl has no drainage holes, so empty rainwater and use the cover after the fire pit cools.

Do not assume a deck or porch is safe because the fire pit is portable. If your model and setup are approved, compare fire pits for decks.

Read can you use a smokeless fire pit on a deck for the surface and clearance questions to check before using any fire pit near a deck.

How do you choose fire pit fuel?

Choose wood, propane, or electricity based on the heat source your space can safely support. Wood requires dry fuel, ember control, and ash cleanup.

Propane needs a compatible tank and careful cylinder handling.

Electric heat needs a suitable outlet and mounting location.

Wood-burning models suit people who want a traditional outdoor fire. Keep the fire size within the bowl's limits, and use only the fuel allowed by the instructions.

A propane heater can be easier to start and stop than a wood fire. The Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Portable Outdoor Propane Patio Heater uses a 20-pound liquid propane tank, which is not included, and has adjustable heat output with a stated heating radius of 9 feet.

The Amazon Basics heater measures 32.1 by 32.1 by 91.3 inches and includes a water box for weighing down the base, a wheel kit, and a chain to secure the tank. Its tilt safety auto-shutoff valve is an added safety feature, but you still need to follow the manual's clearance instructions.

For electric heat, the DR. INFRARED HEATER Portable Infrared Indoor and Outdoor Space Heater has 900W, 1200W, and 1500W settings, uses a standard 120V connection, and includes a remote control plus wall and ceiling mounting brackets.

The DR. INFRARED HEATER is black, measures 35 by 8 by 4 inches, and weighs 8 pounds.

Its design is for wall or ceiling mounting, so check the mounting surface, outlet location, and required clearances before installation.

How do you light and operate a wood-burning fire pit?

Start with a small, controlled fire and add dry wood gradually. Keep the spark screen, poker, water source, and a way to call for help nearby before lighting.

Place kindling and small pieces of wood so air can move through the stack. Once the smaller pieces burn steadily, add larger logs one at a time.

Do not pile wood above the bowl or allow flames to reach nearby branches, furniture, or structures.

Stay with the fire whenever it is burning. Children and pets should remain at a safe distance, and nobody should lean over the bowl or touch the metal, spark screen, poker, or logs without suitable protection.

Wind can carry sparks and embers beyond the fire pit. Don't light a wood fire during strong wind, dry conditions, or any weather covered by a local burn restriction.

For a different bowl style, the Best Fire Pit Table guide can help you compare a fire feature with a table surface. A table-style unit still needs the correct fuel, clearance, and shutdown routine.

How do you operate a propane or electric heater?

Use the controls and power source specified for the heater, then watch the heat area while it runs. Never modify the fuel connection, cord, mounting hardware, or safety controls.

For the Amazon Basics heater, keep the base stable and use the water box and wheel kit as directed. The heater is designed for outdoor use and has a one-touch ignition button, an adjustable temperature knob, and a tilt safety auto-shutoff valve.

For the DR. INFRARED HEATER, select one of the 900W, 1200W, or 1500W settings with the remote control.

Keep cords and connections protected from conditions they are not designed to handle, and make sure the wall or ceiling mount is secure.

If you want a smaller tabletop heating option, see the best tabletop propane fire pit guide. Tabletop units still need a stable surface and open space around the flame.

How do you protect a patio from a fire pit?

Use a heat-safe barrier or pad, keep the pit stable, and remove ash only after everything is cool. Heat can damage surfaces even when flames stay inside the bowl.

The How To Protect Patio From Fire Pit? guide covers surface protection, placement, and cleanup. Measure the area before bringing in a large bowl, and leave enough room for people to walk around it without brushing against hot metal.

Copper changes the look of a fire pit, but the same safety rules apply. See best copper fire pits if the material and finish are part of your decision.

How do you put out a fire pit?

Put out a wood fire completely before you leave, go inside, or go to sleep. Spread the logs and coals, add water as appropriate, stir the ashes, and continue until there is no heat, hissing, smoke, or glowing ember.

Don't bury hot coals under ash because they can stay warm and reignite. Keep checking the area around the bowl for stray embers carried by wind.

For propane and electric units, turn the controls off and follow the shutdown sequence in the instructions. Close the propane supply as directed, and disconnect power only when it is safe to do so.

Read how to put out a fire pit for a detailed shutdown checklist. Never cover or store a fire pit while it is still hot.

What should you check after using a fire pit?

Inspect the pit after it cools, remove ash safely, and protect the unit from weather. A covered, dry fire pit is easier to inspect before the next use.

The Sunnydaze fire pit includes a weather-resistant cover, but water can still collect because the bowl has no drainage holes. Empty rainwater and store the fire pit in a dry, covered location when possible.

Check the bowl, screen, legs, outer ring, controls, fuel connections, cords, and mounting hardware before the next use. Stop using any part that is damaged, unstable, or difficult to operate.

The best way to use a fire pit is to match the fuel to your space, keep the surrounding area clear, supervise the heat, and finish with a complete shutdown. Pick a wood-burning bowl for a traditional fire, a propane heater for adjustable outdoor heat, or an electric infrared heater when you want radiant warmth without burning wood.

Frequently asked questions

What is a fire pit used for?

A fire pit provides an outdoor flame and warmth for a patio, yard, or other approved area. Wood-burning models create a traditional fire, while propane and electric heaters provide warmth without burning wood.

Choose the fuel type that fits your space, local rules, and comfort with setup and cleanup.

What should you put under a fire pit?

Put a fire pit on a stable, noncombustible surface such as stone, brick, gravel, or a fire-safe pad. Keep it away from decks, structures, trees, furniture, and other materials that can catch fire.

Follow the manual for required clearances and never place it on an unstable surface.

How do you safely shut down a fire pit?

For a wood-burning fire, let the fire burn down, spread the coals, and use water as appropriate until the ashes are cool. For a propane fire pit or heater, turn off the control and fuel supply as directed.

Check for heat and embers before leaving.