If you’ve been struggling to keep your fire going all night long, you’re not alone. Many people face the same issue and it can be incredibly frustrating! Here, we’ll explore some of the potential causes of why your fire keep going out and provide tips on how to prevent it from happening in the future.
Why Does My Fire Keep Going Out
It can be frustrating when your fire keeps going out. There are several possible causes of this, such as having poor fuel sources, lack of airflow, lack of heat, cold or wet wood, wood being the wrong type and leaving too much ash on the bottom.
Additionally, not keeping the fire supplied with oxygen can also cause it to go out. It’s important to know why a fire goes out so you can stop it from happening again in the future.
6 Reason Why Campfire Keeps Going out And how To Stop It
1. Having Poor Fuel Sources
Having poor fuel sources is one of the main reasons why a fire can keep going out. Poor quality fuel can be difficult to ignite, burn inefficiently, and produce a lot of smoke. It is important to use the right type of fuel for your fire to ensure it stays lit and burns optimally.
For wood-burning stoves, only use dry wood that is appropriate for burning. For gas fireplaces, make sure you are using the right type of fuel and that it is not too old or contaminated. Knowing the right fuel sources and using them correctly can help to keep your fire burning.
2. Lack of Airflow
One of the most common causes for a fire to go out is a lack of airflow. This can happen when air vents are closed, which decreases the amount of oxygen that is able to reach the flame. This can be remedied by ensuring that all vents are open and that there is a good amount of oxygen available for the flame to burn efficiently.
Additionally, if your stove is cold it could be a sign that it isn’t getting enough air and that the manufacturer’s instructions should be checked for proper ventilation.
In order to increase airflow, it is important to make sure that the flue or chimney is not blocked or badly designed, as this can prevent fresh air from entering the stove and provide an updraft for the fire.
3. Lack of Heat
A lack of heat can be a major reason why your campfire keeps going out. As the fire burns, the heat generated will eventually move up and away from the fuel source, resulting in the fire losing its heat and eventually going out. To minimize this heat loss, you should keep the damper partially closed when the fire is hot.
Additionally, you can put a glass barrier in front of the fire to keep the heat inside. If you don’t have access to either of these options, it’s important to keep your fire burning hot so that the heat does not dissipate too quickly.
4. Poorly Seasoned Firewood
Another reason why your fire might be going out is due to the type of firewood you’re using. If you’re using poorly seasoned firewood, it will contain too much moisture, which can cause the fire to go out.
To prevent this from happening, make sure that the firewood you’re using is properly seasoned. This means that it has been dried for at least six months, so that the moisture content is below 20%.
5. Wood Being the Wrong Type
Wood being the wrong type can be a considerable factor in why your fire keeps going out. Hardwoods are always preferable to softer woods when it comes to firewood, as they burn more efficiently and produce more heat. Softwood is more likely to smoulder than catch alight, resulting in your fire going out. Make sure you are using hardwoods such as oak or hickory to keep your fire going strong.
6. Leaving Too Much Ash On The Bottom
Leaving too much ash on the bottom of your stove can be detrimental to your fire. Too little ash can hinder the fire from attaining extreme temps and cause damage to the stove’s floor, while too much ash can obstruct the airflow from the vents and consume precious wood storage space.
Too much ash can also act as an insulator and reduce heat radiation, but it can also cause a fire to go out if not monitored properly. To avoid this, it’s best to keep the ashes at a healthy level by sweeping them away when necessary. This will help ensure that your fire has enough room for fuel, and that it gets enough oxygen to stay lit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many potential reasons why your fire keeps going out. It could be due to a lack of airflow, a lack of heat, cold or wet wood, or the wrong type of wood. Additionally, having poor fuel sources or leaving too much ash on the bottom can also cause your fire to go out.
It is important to ensure that your fire is supplied with enough air and oxygen in order to keep it burning. By understanding the causes of fire going out and avoiding these issues, you can help ensure that your campfire will stay lit.
