Best Wood for a Fire Pit

What's the best wood for a fire pit?

• Dry hardwood for the main fire. Defra says hardwoods are generally better as firewood because they tend to be denser and burn for longer.
• Softwood or kindling to start it. Defra says softwoods tend to light more easily and can be good for kindling.
• Below 20% moisture. Defra says to burn wood dried to 20% or less. Wet wood makes far more smoke, which drifts straight into your garden and your neighbours'.
• Kiln-dried if you can. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue says to use kiln-dried wood to reduce the risk of sparks and smoke.

Our mixed hardwood is kiln dried below 20% moisture. A barrow bag or net bags are an easy size to keep by the fire pit, under cover. See hardwood vs softwood logs.

How do I light a fire pit?

1. Pick the spot. Essex Fire and Rescue says to site it well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue says not to put it on decking.
2. Check the wind. Light it when the wind won't blow smoke or sparks towards your house or your neighbours'.
3. Start small. Lay kindling with a firelighter, then add small logs and build up to bigger ones, as Northumberland Fire and Rescue advises.
4. Never use petrol. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue says never to use petrol or other fuels to start a fire.
5. Keep water close. Have a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby, and never leave the fire unattended.

How do I put a fire pit out?

Let it burn down, then make sure it's fully out before you go to bed. Essex Fire and Rescue says to pour water on the embers before you leave them. Check your fire pit's instructions first: some makers say not to use water, as it can damage the bowl, and to smother the embers with sand instead.

Only put the ash in a bin once it's properly cooled, says South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue. Humberside Fire and Rescue suggests leaving it to cool overnight.

What should I never burn in a fire pit?

• Painted, coated or pressure-treated wood, which Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue says can release toxic chemicals.
• Pallets: HETAS says they're likely to have been treated with wood preservatives.
• Plastics, rubber, old furniture, kitchen units and old decking, which Defra says are likely to give off hazardous smoke.
• Garden waste: Defra says it's often wet and will create lots of smoke.

More in wood you should never burn.