Mastering the Art of Wood Burning: Clean Combustion Tips
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, our RB73 outdoor fireplaces are more than just cozy focal points—they’re engineered for clean, efficient combustion that enhances your experience while keeping smoke to a minimum. Whether you’re hosting friends on a crisp fall evening or enjoying a quiet fireside night, the way you build your fire makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top-down fire method, explain the science of clean combustion, share the best firewood for the Pacific Northwest, and cover local considerations like burn bans. The goal? Helping you get the most out of your COR-TEN steel fire pit while protecting your investment, your neighbors, and the environment.
The Proven “Top-Down” Method
Forget the messy teepee or log-cabin fire setups you may have grown up with. The top-down method, backed by Swiss research and increasingly popular worldwide, is the gold standard for efficiency and reduced smoke.
Here’s how to do it:
Cross-stack dry, split firewood at the base.
Add kindling neatly on top of the larger logs.
Place a few firelighters at the very top—skip the newspaper, as it creates unnecessary smoke.
Light from the top, letting the flames naturally work their way downward.
By reversing the order, you allow the chimney to heat up quickly, creating a strong upward draft. The result is a cleaner, steadier burn that produces more heat and far less smoke than traditional methods.
The Science Behind a Cleaner Burn
So why does this method work so well? It comes down to airflow and combustion efficiency.
When you light from the top, flames ignite the gases released by the wood before they escape up the chimney. This means less smoke and more efficient use of your fuel.
A hot chimney creates a stronger draft, which pulls oxygen into the firebox. The more oxygen your fire has, the cleaner and hotter it will burn.
Instead of damp logs smoldering under kindling, the fire moves downward in a steady, controlled way—feeding on oxygen and burning more completely.
In short, the top-down fire method is not just better for the environment, it’s also more enjoyable. No more sitting in a cloud of smoke, shifting your chair every few minutes to avoid the breeze.
Burning Tips for the Best Results
To maximize your RB73 fireplace performance, keep these practical tips in mind:
Choose the right wood: Always use dry, untreated hardwood with a moisture content between 15–20%. Wet or green wood not only produces excessive smoke but also contributes to creosote buildup inside your chimney.
Skip the newspaper: It burns too fast and creates extra soot. Firelighters or natural starters are all you need.
Give it air: Keep the fireplace door slightly open during startup. This encourages airflow, helping flames catch more evenly.
Let it burn out naturally: When you’re done, allow the fire to die down on its own. Dousing with water can cause messy ash, damage the steel, and release more smoke than necessary.
The Best Woods for Your Fire Pit (PNW Edition)
Not all firewood is created equal. In the Pacific Northwest, certain hardwoods work best in COR-TEN fireplaces:
Maple – Widely available and burns hot with a steady flame.
Alder – A PNW classic. Lighter than oak but burns clean and evenly.
Oak – Dense and long-lasting, ideal for extended fires.
Fruitwoods (apple, cherry, pear) – Burn hot and add a subtle, pleasant aroma. Perfect for outdoor cooking and entertaining.
👉 Avoid softwoods like pine, fir, or cedar. They burn quickly, pop and crackle excessively, and create more smoke and creosote buildup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced fire enthusiasts can run into problems. Avoid these common pitfalls:
Stacking too tightly: Firewood needs space for airflow. Overstacking smothers the flame.
Using wet wood: Moisture creates excess smoke, wastes energy, and dirties your glass doors.
Overloading the firebox: More wood doesn’t equal more heat. A well-spaced stack burns hotter and cleaner.
Closing the door too soon: Fires need oxygen in their early stages. Shutting the door too quickly starves the flames.
Steer clear of these mistakes, and your fire will be cleaner, hotter, and longer-lasting.
Local Considerations: Burn Bans in the Puget Sound
If you live in the Seattle area or greater Puget Sound region, you’re probably familiar with seasonal burn bans managed by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. These are designed to protect air quality during poor weather conditions or high pollution days.
A few key points:
Recreational fires under 3 feet in diameter are usually permitted when burn bans are not in effect.
Only clean, dry firewood should be used—no yard debris, trash, or treated lumber.
Always check the daily burn status before lighting your fire pit (Puget Sound Clean Air Agency).
By staying mindful of these guidelines, you can enjoy your RB73 fireplace responsibly while protecting local air quality.
FAQs About Wood Burning
Can I use softwood like fir or cedar?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Softwoods burn too fast, pop dangerously, and produce extra soot. Stick to hardwoods for a cleaner, safer burn.
How do I store firewood in the rainy PNW climate?
Keep it stacked off the ground on a rack or pallet. Cover only the top with a tarp or roof, leaving the sides open for airflow. A dedicated woodshed is ideal.
What’s the best way to relight a partially burned fire?
Stir the embers gently, add dry kindling on top, and use the top-down method again. This ensures a quick restart without smoke.
Why These Steps Matter
Every small step you take improves your fire pit experience:
Top-down fires maximize airflow and ignition.
The right wood choice reduces smoke and creosote.
Proper airflow management ensures consistent flames.
Natural burn-out minimizes residue and protects your fire pit.
The end result is a cleaner, hotter, more enjoyable fire that gets the most out of your COR-TEN steel investment.
Final Thoughts
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we believe your outdoor fireplace should be as beautiful in function as it is in form. By mastering the top-down method, choosing the right firewood, and respecting local burn guidelines, you’ll enjoy a fire that’s warmer, cleaner, and better for your environment.
🔥 Ready to experience the difference? Explore our collection of RB73 COR-TEN steel fireplaces—delivered, set up, and maintained by our team right here in the Pacific Northwest.
