How to Put Out a Solo Stove: Safe & Quick Tips

Enjoying a cozy evening by your Solo Stove but unsure how to end the fire safely?

Knowing how to put out a Solo Stove is crucial for safety and preserving your fire pit.

We provides clear steps to extinguish Bonfire, Yukon, and Ranger models, plus tips to avoid common mistakes.

Table of Contents

Understanding Solo Stoves and Fire Safety

Solo Stoves are popular for their efficient, smokeless burn, making them a favorite for backyard gatherings and camping.

Models like the Bonfire, Yukon, and Ranger use a unique airflow design to maximize combustion, but this also means they burn hotter and longer than traditional fire pits.

Properly extinguishing a Solo Stove is essential to prevent accidents, protect the environment, and maintain the stove’s longevity.

Let’s explore why safe extinguishing matters and how to do it right.

Why Safe Extinguishing Matters

Prevent Fires: Embers can ignite nearby materials if not fully extinguished.
Protect the Stove: Improper methods can damage the stainless steel or warp components.
Environmental Safety: Unattended fires can harm local ecosystems or violate regulations.
Personal Safety: Avoid burns or injuries from hot surfaces or stray sparks.

Expert Insight: “A Solo Stove’s high heat requires careful extinguishing to avoid risks. Always plan ahead for safety.” — Laura Evans, Outdoor Safety Specialist

Factors to Consider Before Extinguishing a Solo Stove

Before putting out your Solo Stove, consider these factors to ensure a safe and effective process.

1. Stove Model

Ranger: Smallest model (15 inches), easier to extinguish due to less fuel.
Bonfire: Mid-sized (19.5 inches), requires more time to cool.
Yukon: Largest (27 inches), holds more wood, needing extra caution.

2. Fuel Type

Dry Hardwood: Burns cleaner and is easier to extinguish.
Softwood or Wet Wood: Produces more ash, complicating extinguishment.

3. Environment

Weather: Windy conditions can spread embers; dry conditions increase fire risk.
Surroundings: Ensure no flammable materials (e.g., leaves, grass) are nearby.
Regulations: Check local fire bans or rules for outdoor fire pits.

4. Tools Available

Water: Effective but use sparingly to avoid thermal shock.
Sand/Dirt: Smothers fire safely, ideal for camping.
Snuffer Lid: Sold separately for some models, speeds up extinguishing.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Put Out a Solo Stove

Here’s a detailed, safe method to extinguish your Solo Stove, with variations for different scenarios.

Step 1: Stop Adding Fuel

Why: Allowing the fire to burn down naturally reduces the amount of active flames and embers.
How: Stop adding wood 30–60 minutes before you plan to extinguish, depending on the model (longer for Yukon).
Example: Tom, a camper in Colorado, let his Bonfire burn down for 45 minutes before starting the extinguishing process, making it easier to manage.

Step 2: Spread Out the Embers

Why: Spreading embers increases airflow, helping them burn out faster.
How: Use a fire poker or long stick to gently spread the embers evenly across the fire pit’s base.
Safety Tip: Wear heat-resistant gloves to avoid burns from stray sparks.

Step 3: Use a Snuffer Lid (If Available)

Why: A snuffer lid cuts off oxygen, extinguishing the fire quickly.
How: Place the lid (available for Bonfire and Yukon) over the stove, ensuring a tight fit. Wait 10–15 minutes for the fire to die out.
Case Study: Sarah, a backyard enthusiast in Texas, used her Yukon’s snuffer lid to put out the fire in 12 minutes, avoiding water damage to her stove.

Step 4: Smother with Sand or Dirt (Alternative)

Why: Sand or dirt deprives the fire of oxygen, ideal when water is scarce or you’re camping.
How: Gradually add dry sand or dirt over the embers, covering them completely. Stir with a poker to ensure all embers are smothered.
Story: Jake, a hiker in Utah, used sand to extinguish his Ranger while camping, preserving his stove and following Leave No Trace principles.

Step 5: Use Water (Last Resort)

Why: Water cools embers quickly but can cause thermal shock or ash buildup if overused.
How: Sprinkle small amounts of water (1–2 cups) over the embers, stirring with a poker to distribute. Avoid pouring large quantities to prevent damage.
Safety Tip: Stand back to avoid steam burns, and ensure embers are fully cooled before leaving.
Example: Lisa, a Portland homeowner, used a cup of water to douse her Bonfire’s embers after a rainy evening, stirring to ensure no hotspots remained.

Step 6: Verify the Fire Is Out

Why: Hidden embers can reignite if not fully extinguished.
How: Check for heat by holding your hand 6 inches above the ashes (without touching). Use a flashlight to inspect for glowing embers. Feel the stove’s exterior for residual heat.
Tip: Wait 1–2 hours before leaving the stove unattended, especially for larger models like the Yukon.

Step 7: Clean Up and Store

Why: Removing ash prevents corrosion and prepares the stove for future use.
How: Once cool, scoop out ash into a metal container and dispose of it per local regulations. Store the stove in a dry, covered area or use a Solo Stove carrying case for portability.
Pro Tip: “Never dump hot ashes in a trash bin or forest. Always use a metal container for safe disposal.” — Mike Carter, Fire Safety Expert

Comparison Table: Extinguishing Methods for Solo Stoves

Method	Best For	Time Required	Pros	Cons
Burn Down Naturally	All models	30–60 min	No tools needed, safe	Takes longer
Snuffer Lid	Bonfire, Yukon	10–15 min	Fast, protects stove	Lid sold separately
Sand/Dirt	Ranger, camping	5–10 min	Eco-friendly, no water needed	Messy, requires cleanup
Water	Emergency, home use	2–5 min	Quick, effective	Risk of thermal shock, ash buildup

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Extinguishing a Solo Stove seems straightforward, but mistakes can lead to safety hazards or stove damage. Here’s what to watch out for:

Pouring Too Much Water: Causes thermal shock, potentially warping the stainless steel.
- Fix: Use small amounts and stir embers to distribute water evenly.
Leaving Embers Unchecked: Hidden hotspots can reignite or start fires.
- Fix: Verify no heat or glow remains before leaving.
Dumping Hot Ashes: Can ignite trash bins or vegetation.
- Fix: Cool ashes completely in a metal container.
Ignoring Local Regulations: Fire bans or disposal rules vary by area.
- Fix: Check local laws before using or extinguishing your stove.

Story: David, a novice camper in California, poured a bucket of water on his Ranger, causing a loud hiss and ash mess. He learned to use sand instead, saving his stove from potential damage.

Safety Precautions When Extinguishing a Solo Stove

Safety is paramount when putting out a Solo Stove. Follow these precautions to protect yourself, others, and the environment:

Wear Protective Gear: Use heat-resistant gloves and closed-toe shoes to avoid burns.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby: A Class A extinguisher handles wood fires effectively.
Supervise Children and Pets: Keep them away from the hot stove during extinguishing.
Avoid Flammable Areas: Place the stove on a non-combustible surface (e.g., gravel, concrete).
Monitor Weather: Avoid extinguishing in high winds to prevent ember spread.
Check for Gas Leaks: If using a propane Solo Stove (e.g., Campfire), ensure the tank is off and connections are secure.

Safety Quote: “Never underestimate a Solo Stove’s heat. Always treat it like an active fire until fully extinguished.” — Tom Rivera, Fire Safety Instructor

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Solo Stove in Top Shape

Proper extinguishing and maintenance extend your Solo Stove’s lifespan. Here’s how to care for it:

Clean After Each Use: Remove ash and debris to prevent corrosion.
Avoid Overloading: Too much wood creates excessive ash, complicating extinguishing.
Store Properly: Keep the stove in a dry, covered area or use a Solo Stove shelter.
Inspect Regularly: Check for warping or cracks, especially after using water to extinguish.
Use Dry Fuel: Seasoned hardwood reduces ash and makes extinguishing easier.

Example: Maria, a frequent Bonfire user in Seattle, cleans her stove after every use and stores it in a garage, keeping it like new after two years.

FAQs: Common Questions About Putting Out a Solo Stove

How long does it take to safely put out a Solo Stove?

Extinguishing a Solo Stove takes 10–60 minutes, depending on the method and model. Letting the fire burn down naturally (30–60 minutes) is slowest but safest.

A snuffer lid (10–15 minutes) is fastest for Bonfire or Yukon. Sand or dirt takes 5–10 minutes, while water is quick (2–5 minutes) but risky.

Always verify no embers remain by checking for heat or glow, waiting 1–2 hours before leaving the stove unattended, especially for larger models like the Yukon.

Can I use water to put out my Solo Stove, and is it safe?

Yes, but use water sparingly to avoid thermal shock, which can warp the stainless steel. Sprinkle 1–2 cups over embers, stirring with a poker to cool them evenly, and stand back to avoid steam burns.

Water is best for emergencies or home use but creates ash buildup. For camping, sand or dirt is safer.

Always ensure embers are fully cooled before leaving, and never pour large amounts of water, as it can damage the stove’s structure.

What’s the best way to put out a Solo Stove when camping?

When camping, smothering with sand or dirt is the best method for a Solo Stove, especially the Ranger.

It’s eco-friendly, requires no water, and aligns with Leave No Trace principles. Gradually cover embers with dry sand or dirt, stirring to ensure all are extinguished.

This takes 5–10 minutes and prevents damage to the stove. Check for hotspots before leaving, and dispose of cooled ashes per local regulations.

A snuffer lid, if available, is also effective but less practical for remote sites.

Why does my Solo Stove keep smoldering after I try to put it out?

Smoldering occurs when embers remain active due to insufficient extinguishing. This is common with larger models like the Yukon, which hold more fuel.

To stop smoldering, spread embers thinly to burn out faster, then use a snuffer lid, sand, or small amounts of water to fully extinguish.

Stir thoroughly to expose hidden hotspots. Verify no heat or glow remains by holding your hand above the ashes. Always wait 1–2 hours before leaving to ensure the fire is completely out.

Last Word

Mastering how to put out a Solo Stove ensures safe, worry-free fire pit enjoyment.

Let the fire burn down, use a snuffer lid, sand, or minimal water, and verify embers are cool. Avoid common mistakes like pouring excess water, and follow safety precautions.

With above expert tips, this guide equips you to extinguish your Bonfire, Yukon, or Ranger confidently, protecting your stove and environment for countless cozy nights ahead.