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A little pit fire history...

Pit firing is an ancient technique that began with digging a hole in the ground, putting pots in it, and lighting a fire on top. Clay workers still use this exact process today, but it has also evolved in numerous ways… such as the structure of the pit, the fuel used for firing and the materials added to the pots. Pit firing is a very hands-on process that provides infinite possibilities for exploration!

Pit Firing Process

Preparing the Pots

Preparing the Pots

Preparing the Pots

There are numerous possibilities for what you can put in a pit fire. The above pic is just a sampling of what can be used. Organic materials are the best to use so that you don't run the risk of any dangerous off gassing. 

Setting up the Pit

Preparing the Pots

Preparing the Pots

We prefer to use barrels and other above ground fire pits so that we minimize any damage to the soil. The pit needs to be stable and deep enough to hold sawdust, pots, more sawdust and the fire. The above half barrel is ready to be loaded!

Loading the pit

Preparing the Pots

Loading the pit

A pit is layered with a couple inches of sawdust, a layer of pots with any additional materials scattered around the pots and then another layer of sawdust at least 3 inches deep. The fire is then built on top. The above barrel is ready for it's top layer of sawdust.

Light it up

Covered for the night

Loading the pit

Once the top layer of sawdust is in the pit, the fire is built and ready to ignite!

Covered for the night

Covered for the night

Covered for the night

There are all kinds of different ways to fire the pit. We like to get the fire going hot enough and long enough for the sawdust to start to burn but not so long that all of the sawdust burns away. Once the flames have died down the pit is covered with a sheet of metal and left to smolder over night.

The Next Day

Covered for the night

Covered for the night

The metal sheet is removed the next day, pots are unloaded and ready to be cleaned and polished!

Fire it up!

Group Pit Fires

We will be holding monthly group pit fires starting spring 2024.

If you'd like to join us please click the link below or 

check out the Happenings page for dates and sign up info!

Drop us a line!

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