Fix it
Fire Pit Troubleshooting (2026)
Fixes for common fire pit problems: too much smoke, a fire that will not stay lit, weak heat, and a pit that will not light.
Most fire pit problems come from wet wood, poor airflow, or a dirty burner rather than from a broken pit. Work through the fixes below in order, starting with the wood and the air, before assuming the hardware has failed.
The pit smokes far too much
Check the wood first: damp or unseasoned wood is the usual cause, and it will smoke in any pit, smokeless or not. Switch to dry, seasoned hardwood and build the fire with small kindling so it gets hot quickly. Clear the air vents at the base of the pit, since blocked vents starve the fire of air and make it smoke. If the wind is blowing smoke at the seating, move the chairs rather than fighting the wind.
The fire will not stay lit
Start smaller than you think: a teepee of kindling with a firelighter in the middle, then add small split logs once the kindling is burning well. Do not add large logs to a cold fire, since they smother it. Check that the base vents are clear and that the ash pan is not full, since ash blocks airflow from below. On a still evening, a small fan or a breeze helps the fire catch.
The fire gives little heat
Build the fire bigger and feed it more often: a small fire in a large pit will not warm a circle. Use dry hardwood, which burns hotter than softwood, and keep the fire in the centre of the bowl where the airflow is best. For a smokeless pit, let the fire get properly hot before judging the heat, since the secondary burn adds heat once it starts. Sit closer, and remember that a wide bowl spreads heat in all directions rather than throwing it far.
A propane pit will not light
Check the tank first: make sure it has gas, the valve is open, and the hose is connected tightly with no kinks. Press the ignition button firmly and hold it, since a weak spark will not light the burner. If the igniter clicks but there is no flame, check the burner holes for blockages from insects or debris, and clean them with a soft brush. If there is no click at all, the igniter battery or the igniter itself may need replacing.
Questions, answered
Why does my smokeless pit smoke at the start?
Because the secondary burn needs heat to start. Until the double wall warms up and the fire is hot, the pit burns like a normal fire and smokes. Give it a few minutes with dry wood and small kindling, and the smoke should thin out as the fire builds.
Why is there rust on my pit?
Steel pits rust when they sit wet, especially where ash holds moisture against the metal. Empty the ash after each fire, wipe the pit dry, and keep it covered. Surface rust on a steel bowl can be brushed off, but rust at welds and feet should be watched, since it weakens the pit over time.
Can I burn paper or rubbish in my fire pit?
No. Paper burns fast and throws embers, and rubbish releases fumes and leaves residue in the pit. Burn only dry wood, and for propane pits, nothing but gas. Treated or painted wood should never be burned either, since it releases harmful chemicals.