I’m looking for suggestions for a good quick burning wood for use in a backyard fire pit.

I have a Solo Stove Bonfire that we really like but we’d like to have more fires. We would prefer something that burns quicker and more complete if possible. Less cleanup and easier to let burn out with less need to extinguish.

Got any cottonwood around your area? That'd be my vote.

Dry pine will burn up pretty quick.

Lots! I’ll have to try and get some.

Just make sure it's good and dry.

I agree with mark60 as well. Dry pine burns up pretty quick too.

Yep, pine is hard to beat for a quick burn, and just to enjoy a fire. All you will have left is a pile of ash as long as it is dry. If you want heat it will do, but your going to be feeding the fire often.

Poplar if there are any around. Pine leaves kreosote and is smoky and pops.

What sig226fan said....he is dead on.

We have a Yukon and it once you get it up to temp it runs through any good seasoned pine or oak with a vengeance. Now if you are planning to go and take down some timber for just this reason look for a tree with drier leaves that should be green this time of year. Regardless of the wood the greener it is the harder it will be to start and the more it will de-gas while its burning.
We just cut some and leave it outside for 3-6 months to let it cure / dry out. if you choose to go this route though don't leave it in direct contact with the ground as you will opening the buffet to the termites. This time of year they are looking for moisture so they will get on it quick.

I cut down a birch from my neighbors back yard (with permission) in Washington. My other neighbor took it to his yard and on a whim, threw some branches in the fire pit that was already burning. That whole birch burned up in an hour or so.
We joked that birch is gasoline in wood form. I’ve never seen any wood burn that fast and hot, let alone, mid summer, fresh cut, wet wood.
Birch will burn like you cannot believe.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
Poplar if there are any around. Pine leaves kreosote and is smoky and pops.

Pine would (wood?) be my very last choice. I hate the smell and mess.

Personally I'd just use more kindling and smaller cuts of a oak or other wood you like the smell/smoke/flames of.

My Solostove burns up everything completely. I never worry about leaving it burning when I head to sleep. If it’s in a safe spot don’t know why a fast burn is needed. Hell I wish mine wouldn’t burn through it t he at fast.

Nevertheless you just want really seasoned wood. I have 2 year old oak that burns up real fast. Nothing but ash I’m the morning even after burning for hours.

Dry pine is best for campfires, and dry apple burns incredibly hot (good for keeping harder wood lit if needed)

Wrist-thick alder works pretty good for casual hobby fire. Thumb size cherry & apple trimmings are nice too.

Lots of variables, time/labor/real need/$.
Lately in this area a cottage industry of plastiwrapping an armload of some unidentified wood for camp use, can be found from the local grocery stores to side lots & random trailers with coarse painted sign.

quote:

Originally posted by frayedends:
My Solostove burns up everything completely. I never worry about leaving it burning when I head to sleep. If it’s in a safe spot don’t know why a fast burn is needed. Hell I wish mine wouldn’t burn through it t he at fast.

This is my experience as well. Once we’re done for the night I can leave the SoloStove to burn itself out without much worry. Just like freyedendes in the morning it’s nothing but ash. I’m still amazed at how complete the burn is in that thing.

I have one word for Poplar firewood. Stinks!

I have a bonfire and a Yukon. Buy a kindling cracker use it to make your splits smaller.

1. Fire will get hotter much faster
2. Hot fire and solid coal base will burn up larger splits faster.

Same, completely burns to ash and I’ve never considered trying to “extinguish”. How would you even do that without water (rust) or extinguisher?

We did buy one of their lids, and will put that on at end of evening after mostly burning down if there is any chance of overnight rain. Trying to keep water out at all times seems wise for long term.

Birch burns really fast in the Solo, Lowes had batches of pre cut firewood, we don't stock up on it, just pick up some wood when we're running the Solo, some of it was Birch, you could burn up a whole bag of wood in no time.

splitting axe

smaller sticks, faster burn

What kinds of wood are common in your area ? Some of the wood that is being suggested here is not available to me .