Starting Fireplace Fires

There are few things that are homier than setting around a warm wood fire in a fireplace on a cold winter night. Getting a wood fire started isn’t always easy, especially fireplace fires. Many homeowners that are fireplace novices have difficulty starting fireplace fires. Actually starting fireplace fires is quite easy to do if you follow the some basics guidelines.  However, there are some basic mistakes that can make fire starting effort ineffective, and smoke up the house.  The following suggestions and instructions are offered to help you get the most out of your wood fire and fireplace.

1.    Before you attempt to start a fire open the chimney damper to the full open position. Some dampers can get stuck because of rust or soot before they're fully open. Make sure your damper is free from obstructions and is open as far as possible.

2.    Lay out some kindling wood on the grill on top of some crumbled newspaper. Don't overdo it, just put a layer of wood along the bottom toward the back of the fireplace. Put some larger pieces on top of the kindling. Insure there are some spaces in between the larger pieces to ensure adequate air supply on all sides. Laying the wood criss-cross will help provide adequate air flow while the fire is starting

3.    Use dry, seasoned, hard wood. Green wood and soft wood will not burn hot enough and can increase your risk of smoke in the room or a fire in the chimney.

4.    Fire starters or fatwood can also be used for kindling wood. Set the kindling toward the front where you can reach it with a lighter and with enough air space below that a fire will be fueled. To avoid injury and fire damage to your property never use petroleum products, such as charcoal lighter fluid or gasoline for fire starting.

5.    Check to see if there is a down-draft by feeling for cold air coming down the chimney, especially if it's cold or windy outside.  If you attempt to light the fire while there is a chimney down draft you will most likely smoke up the room. You can eliminate this by lighting a rolled up newspaper and holding it up the flue for a few seconds. The heat from the burning newspaper will cause an updraft. When it's clear the flame and smoke are headed up the chimney, use the newspaper to light the fire immediately so that the draft continues in the proper direction.

6.    Monitor the fire as it begins to burn. If there are glass doors on the fireplace leave them completely open to ensure sufficient air flow.

7.    When you see embers or glowing coals among the logs you know that you have succeeded in starting the fire. This means the fire is hot and the draft is established. It's safe to partially close the damper and/or the glass doors to control the air flow and the size of the fire.

8.    Add additional wood as necessary when the fire has consumed about half of the original stack. If you wait too long, the fire will start to get cooler and all your work at creating a hot fire with a good draft will have to be repeated.

That is all there is to it, enjoy your fireplace.

See: Glass Fireplace Doors