Here is how to light a gas fire pit in short form: make sure the pit is clear, dry and leak free, open the gas supply slowly, then follow the sequence for your ignition type. On a match lit pit the lit lighter goes to the burner before you open the valve. On a push button pit you hold the knob in while you spark the pilot. On an electronic pit you turn on power and flip the switch. If nothing lights, turn the gas off and wait before trying again. Steps below come from manufacturer manuals; yours has the final word.
Not sure which ignition you have? Our guide to match lit vs electronic ignition fire pits explains each type.
Before you light: the pre-light checklist
- Clearances. Use your manual’s numbers. As one example, the HPC Fire match lit manual lists 36 inches to structures or combustibles on the sides (12 inches for noncombustible) and 84 inches overhead for pits up to 65K BTU.
- Cover off, debris out. HPC says to remove covers and confirm there is no debris in the pit, including water.
- Wet media after rain. Real Flame says not to light its fire bowl if the filler is wet, since intense heat can make wet filler explode. HPC says that if lava rock is wet, let the pit burn for 45 minutes before anyone comes within 15 feet.
- Smell for gas. The American Fyre Designs manual says to smell around the unit before lighting, including near the floor. If you smell gas, shut it off, put out any flame and call your gas supplier or fire department.
- Leak test with soapy water. Never use a flame. Real Flame’s method: mix 1 part dish soap with 3 parts water, set the control knob to OFF, open the tank, spray the connections and watch. No bubbles after one minute means close the tank, wipe off the solution and proceed. Bubbles mean close the valve and fix the connection first. Our fire pit propane regulator guide covers the hose and regulator side.
- Tank valve order. HPC says the fire pit valve must be OFF when the tank is turned on, and the tank should be opened slowly so pressure can equalize.
How to light a gas fire pit with a match or long lighter
This is the match lighting fire pit method for key valve and manual knob systems. Every manual we read agrees: flame first, then gas.
- Confirm the key valve or knob is fully OFF.
- Light a long stem lighter, fire wand or long match. Real Flame and American Fyre Designs both say not to lean over the pit while lighting.
- Hold the flame at the burner. HPC says on top of the pit; American Fyre Designs says against the media near the burner; Real Flame says near the side of the burner, wearing heat resistant gloves.
- Slowly open the valve.
- Once the burner lights, remove the lighter and set the flame height.
Some match lit valves use flame sensing and must be held. On American Fyre Designs manual flame sensing models you turn the knob to ON, press and hold for 15 seconds, and the burner should light within 5 seconds. If it does not, turn the knob OFF right away.
The HPC Fire 13 inch Match Lit Fire Pit Kit (liquid propane), $749.55 at the time of writing, describes the same start: light a long stem lighter next to the burner, then slowly open the key valve. The HPC Round Drop-In Match Lit Burner Kit ($1,115.30 for this size) also uses a key valve and lighter.
How to light a propane fire pit with push button ignition
The hold time lets the thermocouple heat so the valve stays open. From the HPC push button flame sensing manual:
- Turn the gas supply valve ON.
- Rotate the knob counterclockwise to pilot.
- Press and hold the knob.
- Press the spark igniter in short bursts until the pilot lights.
- Release the igniter and keep holding the knob for 20 seconds.
- Turn the knob counterclockwise to light the main burner.
Real Flame’s fire bowl differs: hold the igniter button, push and turn the knob to LIGHT, and keep it pressed 15 to 30 seconds after ignition. HPC’s troubleshooting says to hold 30 seconds if the pilot goes out when released. Follow your manual.
The HPC Round Flat Torpedo Burner Kit for Small LP Tank, Push Button ($2,204) has you press the knob and ignition button together, with flame sensing that shuts off gas if the flame blows out.
Electronic ignition: switch or remote
From the HPC electronic ignition manual:
- Confirm there is no debris or water in the pit.
- Turn on electrical power and gas to the pit.
- Turn it on with the wall switch or remote. The igniter glows for 5 seconds before the pilot valve opens, and the thermocouple can take 30 seconds to heat.
- A first start may take several cycles to purge air. After 15 attempts (about 15 minutes) it locks out; power down, wait 5 minutes, then restart.
HPC says this system is not for small tanks. The HPC Round Flat On/Off Electronic Ignition Burner Kit ($3,667.95 for this size) uses hot surface ignition with a switch or remote. The Prism Hardscapes 54 inch Fuego fire pit table ($9,952) is listed as best used with the PH Ignite electronic ignition add-on.
If it does not light
Do not keep sparking or hold a lighter over an open valve. Turn the gas OFF and let it clear.
| Manual | When to stop | Wait before retrying |
|---|---|---|
| HPC match lit | Burner does not light | 5 minutes |
| HPC push button | Burner fails to light | 5 minutes |
| HPC electronic | Lockout after 15 attempts | Power off, 5 minutes |
| Real Flame fire bowl | No ignition in 30 seconds | 5 minutes, gas off at source |
| American Fyre Designs | No light within 5 seconds | About 5 minutes |
For causes, see our gas fire pit troubleshooting guide.
Wind and weather
Real Flame says not to use its fire bowl in windy conditions, and American Fyre Designs warns against rain and high wind. HPC lists wind as a reason a burner will not stay lit and suggests calmer weather or a wind guard, such as the HPC 30 inch Round Glass Wind Guard ($414.20, 3/16 inch tempered glass).
Turning it off
- Turn the burner valve or knob fully OFF. On HPC push button models, then push in and turn to put out the pilot.
- Close the gas supply: the propane tank valve or natural gas shutoff. Real Flame says to disconnect the LP tank when not in use.
- For remote controlled electronic systems, HPC says to also cut power or gas so the pit cannot start by accident.
- Let it cool, then cover it.
A licensed gas fitter and your local code have the final word on installation, and natural gas conversions should be done by a pro.
Frequently asked questions
How do you light a propane fire pit for the first time?
Leak test every connection with soapy water, open the tank slowly with the pit valve off, then follow your ignition steps. HPC notes new lines can take several tries to purge air.
Match lighting fire pit basics: gas or flame first?
For match lighting a fire pit, the flame goes first. HPC, Real Flame and American Fyre Designs all position the lit lighter before opening the gas.
How long should I wait after a failed light?
The manuals we read say about 5 minutes with the gas off. Check yours.
Can I light a gas fire pit with wet lava rock or glass?
Real Flame says no. HPC says to stay 15 feet away for 45 minutes if lava rock is wet. Follow your manual’s rule.
Need help choosing?
Browse HPC Fire burner kits or read our fire pit buying guide. Call 866-777-2590, Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight; below that, shipping is $200 flat. See our return and refund policy.
