Using a fire pit can be fun if you get things right. There’s no bigger fun than spending quality time with your loved ones outdoor while enjoying some warmth. You may even add some barbecue to the fun.
However, using a fire pit has its challenges as well. One of them is how to extinguish it. We have noticed that many people do this wrongly, and it affects the performance of their fire pit. This is why we have given the necessary steps needed to put out the fire in your fire pit properly.
Before going into the details, it is necessary to let you know that the very best way to quench your fire pit is to let the wood burn out on its own.
The problem with this is that you will need to be able to estimate the quantity of wood that will be enough for a certain number of hours. We understand that it is quite difficult. So, here is how to extinguish a metal fire pit.
Steps Involved in Extinguishing a Metal Fire Pit
Step 1: Stop Feeding it with Wood
The key is proper timing. When it is about 1 to 2 hours to the time that you want to leave, you should stop adding more wood to the fire pit. This will allow the fire to go down naturally.
When you pour some firewood to it, you’ll strengthen the fire. The stronger the fire, the more difficult it will be to extinguish.
Also, when it is about 30 minutes to the set time, you can use your shovel to remove some chunks of wood. Wood is the fuel and strength of your fire pit. By removing some of the wood, you will weaken it drastically. If you are lucky, the fire pit may go off within the time frame.
Step 2: Spread the remaining Chunks of wood
Fire will burn more when the pieces of wood are packed together. But, when you spread them apart, air will penetrate better, and the power of the fire will be reduced.
In other words, spreading the chunks of wood apart helps to break the heat synergy among them. They will hold less heat when they are apart.
Step 3: Douse the Fire with Water
You can now pour a bucket of water on the fire. You should be careful because of the amount of steam the will come out of the pit. Remember, the temperature of the fire is about 1,000 degrees F.
The steam can scald your skin instantly, so don’t go too near when you are dousing the fire with water. You’ll hear some sizzling sound as the hot steam escapes. Wait until you don’t hear any sizzling sound again.
Also, use a shovel to scatter the pieces of wood to prevent any glowing ember from hiding. As you stir the ashes, keep pouring more water until every element is soaked in water.
Step 4: Look Around for Embers and Sparks
In the dry season, the tiniest ember can ignite a forest fire. So, you should look around for any sparks and embers that may have escaped from the fire. Extinguish them all.
Step 5: Check the Temperature of the Fire Pit
Check the temperature of the fire pit to be sure that it has cooled down fully. Then you can be sure that the fire has been extinguished. You can cover it and leave.
How to Make The Best Use of Your Fire Pit?
1. Always use Dry Wood
Using damp wood or any other combustible material will increase the amount of smoke in the fire. We recommend only dry, locally-sourced firewood.
The logs will burn easily and smoothly. Burning other materials may give off toxic fumes into the air. The chemicals will pose a danger to your health, and it may damage your fire pit over time.
2. It is Better to allow your Fire Pit to Extinguish Naturally
Don’t make it a habit to always douse your fire pit with water. It is better to allow the fire to go out naturally. We understand that pouring water on it is an easier and faster method.
But, the sudden change in temperature from about 950 degrees F can damage the material your fire pit is made of. It can also jeopardize the structural integrity of your fire pit over time.
So, you may extinguish your fire pit with water once in a while, but don’t make it a habit. It is better to let your fire pit go off naturally.
3. Clean your Grate Regularly
If you cook with your fire pit, it is necessary to clean the grate before and after every use. If you store it without washing it, the debris of the last food you cooked will harden up. It won’t look nice when next you want to use it.
That’s why after cooking with your fire pit, you must scrub its grate with a wire brush, but you must allow it to cool down before you do. You may also want to add cooking oil to the grate before using it. This will prevent corrosion and rust.
4. Keep your Fire Pit Covered when not in use
You should always keep your fire pit covered anytime you are not using it. This will prevent debris and rainwater from going into the pit. They can facilitate corrosion and rust. Debris also prevents fire from burning smoothly.
5. Remove Ashes after Each use
The ashes of today’s fire can cause smoke in tomorrow’s fire. So, we recommend that you remove ashes from your fire pit after every use.
However, you have to give it about 24 hours to cool off before you remove the ashes. It is not advisable to remove hot ashes. One more thing, cool ash is a good source of potassium for your garden soil.
Conclusion
We gave the five steps involved in extinguishing a metal fire pit. Although we expect you to follow the steps, it is a better idea to allow your fire pit to extinguish naturally.
The key is to feed it with the quantity of wood enough to keep it burning for as long as you want. Also, you should always use dry firewood to prevent smoke.
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