Knowing how to put out a fire pit correctly is one of the most important skills for any backyard enthusiast. It’s not just about ending your evening; it’s about ensuring your property, your family, and your neighborhood are safe long after the last ember fades. A poorly extinguished fire can smolder for hours, even days, leading to dangerous reignition. As a gardener, I’ve seen the damage a stray ember can do to precious plants and dry mulch beds. Let’s walk through the safe, sure way to end your fire pit session.
The process is more than just dumping water. It’s a methodical approach that respects the power of fire. With the right steps, you can enjoy your fire pit with total peace of mind, knowing you’ve left nothing to chance. This guide will give you the clear, practical steps you need.
How to Put Out a Fire Pit
This is your core, step-by-step method. Follow these instructions in order every single time, regardless of how small the fire seems.
Step 1: Plan Ahead for Extinguishing
Your safety routine begins before you even light the fire. Always have your tools ready and nearby.
* Water Source: Keep a full bucket of water or a connected garden hose within a few feet of the pit. Never go looking for it after the fact.
* Metal Shovel or Poker: You’ll need this to stir the ashes and embers.
* Heat-Resistant Gloves: Protect your hands when handling tools near the hot pit.
* Metal Ash Bucket: If you need to remove ashes, use a dedicated metal container with a tight lid.
Step 2: Let the Fuel Burn Down Completely
Start winding down your evening well before you plan to go inside. Stop adding new logs or fuel at least an hour beforehand. Allow the existing wood to burn down to mostly white ash and red embers. This makes the extinguishing process much easier and uses less water. A big, roaring fire is much harder to put out safely than a bed of low embers.
Step 3: Carefully Sprinkle Water, Don’t Pour
This is where most mistakes happen. Never dump a whole bucket of water onto a hot fire pit, especially if it’s made of stone or metal. The rapid temperature change can cause cracking or warping.
* Put on your heat-resistant gloves.
* Use your shovel or a long stick to gently spread out the embers.
* Slowly sprinkle water over the embers, starting from the edges and moving inward.
* Listen for the hissing sound to fade. You want to dampen everything, not create a flood or a steam blast.
Avoiding Thermal Shock
Thermal shock is the enemy of cast iron, steel, and stone fire pits. A sudden dousing with cold water causes materials to contract too quickly, leading to cracks. Slow and steady wins the race here. If your pit has a drain, make sure it’s not clogged before you start.
Step 4: Stir and Test the Ashes
Once you’ve sprinkled water and the initial hissing stops, it’s time to get thorough.
* Use your metal shovel to stir the wet ashes and remaining embers. Turn everything over.
* Look closely for any hidden glowing embers. They can bury themselves underneath ash.
* Sprinkle more water on any hot spots you uncover.
* Repeat the process of stir, look, and sprinkle until you see zero red embers and no more steam rises.
Step 5: The “Back of the Hand” Test
This is the final safety check. Before you walk away, carefully hold the back of your hand just above the wet ashes and around the rim of the fire pit.
* If you feel any residual heat, it needs more water and more stirring.
* The pit and ashes should feel cool to the touch, not warm.
* Only when everything is completely cold can you consider the fire fully out.
Step 6: Dispose of Ashes Properly
Never dispose of ashes immediately after extinguishing. They can hold heat for a very long time.
* Leave the cooled ashes in the pit for at least 24 hours.
* After a full day, transfer them to a dedicated metal ash bucket with a tight-fitting lid.
* Store this bucket on a non-flammable surface like dirt or concrete, away from your house, garage, or any plants.
* Only add ashes to your compost or garden if they are 100% wood ash (no lighter fluid, coal, or trash) and are completely cold for several days.
What NOT to Do When Extinguishing Your Fire Pit
Avoiding these common errors is just as important as following the right steps.
Never Use Dirt or Sand Alone
While dirt or sand can smother flames in an emergency, they are not a reliable long-term solution. They simply insulate the heat, allowing embers to smolder for days underneath. This is a major fire hazard, especially if the wind blows the covering away later.
Avoid Using a Fire Pit Cover Immediately
Never cover your fire pit right after putting it out. Trapping heat and moisture inside leads to rust, corrosion, and creates a potential oven for hidden embers to reignite. Always let the pit air out and dry completely before covering it.
Don’t Leave the Fire Unattended to “Die Out”
It’s tempting to go to bed and let the fire handle itself, but this is a serious risk. Wind can kick up embers long after the flames are gone. Always actively extinguish the fire using the water method described before you leave it.
Special Considerations for Different Fire Pit Types
Your specific fire pit material might need a slight tweak in your routine.
Extinguishing a Portable Metal Fire Pit
These are common and conduct heat very well. Be extra cautious with water to avoid warping. Let the fire burn down low first. Never move a portable pit until it is utterly cold on the bottom, which can take much longer than the top.
Putting Out a Stone or Masonry Fire Pit
Thermal shock is the biggest concern here. Use the slow-sprinkle method religiously. Check that the interior is fully cool, as stone retains heat. Inspect for cracks reguarly, as water getting into fissures can cause damage when it freezes.
Dealing with Propane or Natural Gas Fire Pits
This is simpler but requires precision.
* Turn the control knob to the “Off” position to stop the gas flow. The flames will go out immediately.
* Crucially: Turn off the gas supply at the tank or main valve. This prevents leaks.
* Allow the burners and media (like lava rock or fire glass) to cool completely before covering. They stay very hot long after the flame is gone.
Garden Safety: Protecting Your Plants from Fire Pit Heat and Ash
As a gardener, my biggest concern is protecting the living landscape around the fire pit.
* Location: Place your fire pit at least 10 feet away from tree canopies, shrubs, and garden beds. Radiant heat can scorch leaves and dry out plants.
* Wind Direction: Be aware of prevailing winds. Don’t position your pit where embers will blow toward dry ornamental grasses or mulched areas.
* Ash in the Garden: Wood ash is high in potassium and can be used to raise soil pH. But use it sparingly! Only use cold, pure wood ash, and never apply it around acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, or rhododendrons. Always mix it into your compost pile first to neutralize it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take for a fire pit to cool down?
After proper extinguishing with water, the surface ash can cool in an hour or two. However, the pit’s base and walls, especially in stone or thick metal, can retain heat for 12-24 hours. Always use the back-of-the-hand test.
Can I use a fire extinguisher on my fire pit?
Yes, a Class ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher is safe to use in an emergency. However, it creates a huge mess and the chemicals are not good for your soil or pit. Water is the preferred method for routine, controlled extinguishing.
What’s the best way to put out a fire pit without water?
While water is strongly recommended, you can use a Class A fire extinguisher. Smothering with dirt or sand is only for true emergencies and requires constant monitoring, as the fire is likely not fully out underneath.
Is it safe to leave ashes in the fire pit?
You can leave cooled ashes in the pit for the next use if it’s covered and dry. However, a deep buildup of ash can reduce airflow. It’s better to regularly transfer cold ashes to a metal ash bucket for storage or disposal.
How do I make sure my fire pit is out before bed?
Follow the full water method: sprinkle, stir, and sprinkle again until no steam or hissing remains. Perform the back-of-the-hand test. Only when the ashes and pit are cool to the touch is it safe to go inside for the night. This simple routine ensures you and your garden rest safely.