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Step 1
Place your fireplace at least 10 feet from your house or other structures. Place a bed of dirt or sand at the bottom of your fireplace, or follow the advice in the instruction booklet that came with your fireplace.
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Step 2
Cover your fireplace with a screen after the initial flames die down to control flying embers. Have some insulated leather gloves handy for handling the fireplace and cover after they are hot.
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Step 3
Keep a water supply, a bucket of sand or a fire extinguisher nearby. Teach your family how to use them.
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Step 4
Use dry wood, such as seasoned oak or hickory, to minimize smoke. Or use a manufactured outdoor firelog. If you have a gas fireplace, hook up the propane tank and follow the instructions or use your natural gas source.
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Step 5
Start your wood fire with a fat stick. When first using your fireplace, start with a small fire until you get used to the way it burns.
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Step 6
Put the fire completely out when you are finished. A cup of water will usually do the trick. After the fire is out,clean the ashes out with an ash bucket. If your fireplace came with a protective cover, use it.
