Can you have a fire pit when it’s windy?
How windy is too windy for a bonfire or an outdoor fire pit?
Is it safe to have a fire pit when it’s windy?
Fire in windy conditions can be a serious danger. Strong wind can easily take control of any fire, making it spread very quickly in an uncontrolled way.
In this article we answer questions such as: When is it safe to have a campfire or a fire pit? When is it too windy for a fire pit? We will also explain how to protect an outdoor fire from wind, how to decide when it’s too windy to burn an outdoor fire pit and it’s better to wait for appropriate weather conditions.
Having a fire when it’s windy
Can you have a fire outside when it’s windy?
Yes, you can have a fire when it’s windy, but you need to be very careful. Below we share some tips on how to do it safely as well as when it’s too windy for a fire pit.
What’s the maximum wind speed to burn outdoor fire pits safely?
The answer is: the wind should be steady and up to 20 mph to burn an outdoor fire pit, but it depends on your surroundings. And there is more to it than just the wind speed. Let’s look into more details.
Fire pits and wind – safety
What you also need to consider, when planning to have a fire pit when it’s windy, is:
- What you are burning and could potentially get carried away from the fire
- The surroundings and things which could catch fire
- If you are burning fire in the dry season you need to be even more careful
- Local fire safety regulations
Tips for burning outdoor fires safely in windy conditions
- Don’t burn things which can be carried away by the wind (leaves, paper etc.)
- Use a windshield
- Cover the fire with a lid or a screen to stop sparks from flying out and to protect the flames from the wind
- Never burn a large fire in a strong wind
- Remove anything that can catch fire from the fire pit area
- Pay attention not only to the average wind speed but also to wind gusts
- Check the wind direction and if there are any flammable things in the direction in which the wind is blowing
- Never leave the fire unattended when it’s windy
- Have a bucket of water and a fire blanket at hand
- Extinguish the fire completely before after you’ve finished
When is it too windy for a fire pit?
It’s too windy for an open fire when wind gusts are above 20 mph. It’s when it may become unsafe to burn an outdoor fire.
How to assess the wind speed without any equipment?
Look at the trees or plants surrounding your fire pit area. If the wind is strong enough to make the trees sway, it may be too windy to start a fire outdoors.
FAQs about burning fires in windy conditions
Is it safe to burn with 10 mph wind?
Yes, it is safe to burn a fire pit when the wind speed is around 10 mph. However, there are exceptions e.g. if you are burning dry leaves or grass clippings, the maximum wind speed is 5 mph to keep it safe.
What is a safe wind speed for a fire?
Generally speaking, a safe wind speed to burn a fire outdoors is up to 15 mph.
How windy is too windy for a fire pit?
It’s too windy for a fire pit when the wind speed exceeds 20 mph.
Can I use a chiminea when it’s windy?
Yes, you can use a chiminea when it’s windy. It’s actually a great alternative to burning a fire pit or a campfire in windy conditions. As chiminea protects the fire from the wind it reduces the risk of fire spreading to the surroundings.
Final note
As a rule of thumb, having a fire pit or any other type of fire outdoors when a wind speed is more than 20 mph can be dangerous. If the wind picks up while you are burning a fire, you may have to put it out to avoid the risk of fire spreading onto the buildings, trees or other things around. You may need to take some steps to make the fire safer or use a chiminea as an alternative. You can read more about fire safety here.
Have you got any stories about burning fires in windy weather and its dangers? Share in the comments!
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