How to Control Excess Smoke Coming From Outdoor Firepit?

The wood burning outdoor fire pit may be producing excess amounts of smoke for any of the following reasons, I have attached the corresponding solutions:

First Use: If your outdoor firepit is new and you are burning a fire in it for the first time it may produce smoke. This is because new outdoor firepits need to have an initial burn of about 30 minutes to allow any excess materials from the manufacturing process to burn off.

Use Dry Wood: Choose the right wood for your firepit to control smoke. Dry hardwoods like oak, maple, or cherry burn cleaner than pine or cedar. Keep your wood dry. You can choose a wood holder rack to store them, and use a wood rack cover to protect them from rain.

Avoid Wet Conditions: If possible, avoid using the fire pit in wet or rainy weather, as moisture can cause more smoke.

Be Mindful of Wind: Wind can disrupt the fire's burn pattern and increase smoke production. Position the firepit in a way that minimizes the impact of strong winds, or consider erecting a temporary windbreak. a wind guard / spark screen is good too.

Elevate the Firewood: Use a fire grate or elevate the wood above the base of the firepit. This improves airflow and encourages a hotter, cleaner burn.

Properly Stack Wood: If you don't want a fire grate, you can try to arrange firewood for good airflow. Well-organized wood pile with gaps burns efficiently & reduces smoke. Once it's burning well, gradually add larger logs. Avoid overloading the firepit with too much wood at once, as this can lead to excessive smoke.

Installl Vent Panel: by using the built-in vents if your firepit has them. This helps regulate the combustion process. If you don't have it, you can shoose one proper size bellow:

Use Fire Starters: Natural fire starters like newspaper, cardboard, or firestarter bricks are better than chemical-laden alternatives. They ignite easily and produce less smoke. Create a good base of kindling and tinder to start your fire.

Position the Firepit Properly: Place the firepit in an area with good ventilation, Keep it away from buildings, trees, and anything else that might cause the smoke. Ensure that the prevailing wind direction doesn't blow smoke toward you or your neighbor's home.


Use a Chimney or Smokeless Fire Pit: Consider investing in a chimney-style outdoor firepit or a smokeless fire pit. These designs are specifically engineered to reduce smoke and improve combustion efficiency. Such as smokeless solo stove.


Consider Alternative Fuels: Some alternative fuels, like propane or natural gas fire pits, produce less smoke compared to wood-burning firepits. They are also easier to control.

Regular Maintenance: Clean out ashes and debris from the firepit between uses. A clean firepit allows for better airflow and combustion.