If the wind speed exceeds 5 miles per hour, it is generally too windy to create a fire. Therefore, if the wind is high and strong enough to cause visible swaying in the trees, it is better to postpone starting your fire. Even with little wind, starting a fire can be difficult.
Wind can gain control of any fire and quickly turn a controlled situation into an uncontrolled and hazardous condition. And placing the firepit in a windy setting can cause the fire to jump the pit’s parameter and expand uncontrollably.
A sudden blast of wind can start a massive bush fire. Wind and fire do not combine well unless the goal is to create a fire swiftly and effortlessly.
Is 10mph Wind Too Much for Fire?
From the reference of the National oceanic and atmospheric association (NOAA) and the national weather service (NWS) of the United States of America, ten mph wind is listed in the Beaufort rating three and considered a gentle breeze that causes leaves and twigs to move constantly. The wind lifts dry leaves off the ground, flags are spread out. So, ten mph wind is not too much for fire, but it is better to use a smoke screen as danger rises from eight mph.
Wind speeds of one to ten mph are ideal for burning. Wind speeds of 5 mph or less are recommended for grass burning and are considered entirely safe.
Is It Okay/Safe to Have a Fire When It's Windy?
No, it is not okay or safe to start a fire when it is windy. If the wind shakes your body or blows over outdoor objects, it is evident that it is too windy to start a fire in your pit. The tinder or twigs will quickly blow away, making it difficult to fire. When the wind is howling, having a fire can be dangerous. If caught in an unexpected gust, you may lose control of your fire or get burned by flying debris.
Here Are Some Tragic Consequences that Might Happen If You Use the Fire Pit When It Is Too Windy:
Unpredictable directions:
If a wildfire does start to spread, the wind causes it to move in unpredictable ways. This is because the wind does not always blow in the same direction.
Oxygen provider:
We all know that fire burns on oxygen, and when the wind blows, more oxygen is moved, and fires can quickly become hotter and more immense—leaving permanent damage to the household and the backyard.
Drying out humidity:
Warm air from a swiftly moving wind can draw moisture from the ground cover. And if you have dry grass on the lawn, then the dry grass and surface can readily catch fire, so you should avoid burning if the trees are swinging substantially.
Please avoid using your fire pit on highly windy days since the wind might make it difficult to light the kindling and can blow sparks to nearby bushes or structures, potentially starting a fire. Instead, consider transferring a portable fire pit to a spot with a natural windbreak before lighting the fire.
What Wind Speed Is Safe for Burning?
From one to five mph wind, it is safe for burning. A wind speed of more than 5 miles per hour is too great for a barbecue or fire. Any wind speed of more than 5 MPH increases the likelihood of the fire leaving the fire pit boundaries and starting a big forest fire.
How Do You Block the Wind from a Fire Pit?
Once you have started the fire, it is annoying to put it off due to some sudden gusts, so here are some tips on blocking the wind from a fire pit;
Block the wind by your body:
If the wind blows in a single direction, you can arrange for your body to break it before it reaches the fire pit. This can assist you in avoiding directing sparks at random objects or structures, which can quickly catch fire if they come too close.
Use a smoke screen:
It would be better if you thought about getting a screen for your fire pit. The screen will shield the fire from the wind, making it more straightforward to keep going. A smoke screen is one of the primary safety precautions for a wood-burning fire pit. When your fireplace is housed in a metal box, a screen also helps you avoid throwing sparks onto random objects or structures.
Using a fire pit deep down:
While installing or having a DIY fire pit on or own, it is better to dig a few inches to the ground. In this way, the fire will be protected, and you can use some protective stones or rocks as the barrier of the fire pit. For portable fire pits, you can dig the ground to some inches and create a solid, level, deep place to sit the fire pit.
Keeping the fire pit area clean and debris free:
Maintaining your fire pit’s area clear of ashes and other trash is a good idea. This will keep the ash from kicking up and firing sparks. Before lighting the fire, properly clean your firepit.
Use the fire pit where the wind is less:
This option can be used for portable and gas fire pits under a gazebo, which tends to have a lower ventilation system, and the wind will reach less than under the open sky.
Use the fire pit where the wind is breaking:
Setting up a fire pit in an area with windbreaks is another excellent approach to making a fire pit that doesn’t get too windy. This can be accomplished by erecting a wall or structure around your campfire to prevent sparks from flying into random items and constructions.
Hope this helps. Please let us know what you think in the comments section below.
