How to Get Mesquite Wood to Burn

Mesquite wood is widely prized for its high density and slow burn rate. These qualities, which make the wood ideal for cooking and heating, also make mesquite wood unusually difficult to light and burn. Without proper ignition and aeration, a mesquite fire will quickly die. By following the proper technique when stacking and lighting your mesquite fire, you ensure that your mesquite will burn easily, evenly and completely.

Things You'll Need

  • Hatchet or axe
  • Oak or hickory chips
  • Charcoal chimney
  • Lighter fluid
  • Newspaper
  • Lighter or match
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Instructions

    • 1

      Split your mesquite wood into small pieces with a hatchet or small axe.

    • 2

      Mix the mesquite chips with chips from a lighter wood, such as oak or hickory.

    • 3

      Pile the wood chips into a charcoal chimney.

    • 4

      Pour a small amount of lighter fluid onto the pile.

    • 5

      Place a sheet of crumpled newspaper below the chimney. Ignite the newspaper with a lighter or match.

    • 6

      Release the wood chips from the charcoal chimney once the fire is burning vigorously.

    • 7

      Add additional, larger pieces of mesquite as your fire stabilizes.