How to Build a Fire in a Fireplace

There's nothing quite like a roaring hot fire to make you happy to be at home on a cold night. Safely done this makes the perfect backdrop for reading and relaxing. Although starting this lovely blaze can be frustrating, there is an easy way to build a fire in a fireplace and minimize the ordeal.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Split dry logs
• Kindling of various thickness
• A few pine cones
• Butane candle lighter
• An open flue!

1. Be sure the flue is open. It only takes once to learn this the hard way.

2. Start with a clean space. Sweep the floor of the hearth and clean out all ashes. Layer kindling about 2 inches thick. Include small twigs and any dried leaves that are attached.

3. Place 3 pine cones evenly apart over the kindling bed. Pine cones contain a sap that burns like fuel. Residue from this type of sap can build up in your chimney over time. That’s a good reason to have it cleaned annually.

4. Layer and space the logs. Make a bottom row of 2 or 3 small logs laid in the same direction at least 2 inches apart. Top that with 2 big logs laid in a crossing direction, a few inches apart.

5. Light your fire. Touch lighter flame to kindling from under the rack and light the middle and both ends.

6. Close glass doors and open vent to fan flames until logs are burning.

7. Open doors with the metal screen drawn and enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• For safety, it’s recommended that you have the chimney cleaned every year before using the fireplace. This will ensure you against a number of possible problems, including animal nests.
• Use a poker to flip logs occasionally for rejuvenated flame.