What is the best way to start a fire for a copper fire pit?

Question

I have just purchased a copper fire pit on a wrought iron stand. I am wanting to not only use it for a camp fire but to roast hot dogs and marshmallows on. I know the fire logs that can purchased are convenient but can't be cooked with because of how they are treated. I am a single mom new to this fire starting thing. Can someone please tell me how to get a good fire started in a fire pit and keep the flame going?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I can't think of an area of the country where you will be unable to find dead tree branches laying on the ground. Dry branches will burn fairly fast. The trick is to use small twigs over some crumpled newspaper to start the fire. Feed it bigger and thicker pieces of wood as it burns and you will quickly get to the point where you can add fairly large pieces of wood.

You can cook over almost any wood except the pine species. Pine will spit and pop and will flavor your food as the "turpentine" burns off. Best bet is oak since it is slow burning and plentiful.

There is a firewood guy in my area who sells me pickup truck loads of wood especially cut to length for my outdoor fire pit and chiminea. I'll bet you can find the same in your area.

Good luck with your firepit.

Answer 2

We have a copper fire pit that we use for marshmallow roasts from time to time. My husband purchases Fire Starter Logs from Wal-mart. You find them in the camping section and they cost 33 cents. They are only about six or seven inches long and come in a black package. You build your firewood around it...make a pyramid structure with the wood.