How to Use Fire Starting Sticks

It's a cold evening and you're thinking about curling up in front of the fire with a good book, but that means you're going to have to start a fire in the fireplace. You can use fire starting sticks and be resting comfortably in a short period of time, much faster than starting a fire the "old-fashioned" way--through kindling, logs, paper and matches.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare your fireplace by opening the damper to allow for proper ventilation of the fire. If you've not had a fire in your fireplace within a year's time, it's best to have your chimney and flue inspected before proceeding.

2. Open your fire starting stick on each end to allow for airflow through the package. Depending on the size of the fire you want and the duration you want the fire to burn, fire starting sticks come in different sizes.

3. Place the fire starting stick into the fireplace. Light each end with a long-stemmed lighter or long match. Allow the stick to burn on its own for two to three minutes.

4. Surround the fire starting stick with firewood. Place the largest piece of firewood in your pile that you want to burn toward the rear of the burning fire starting stick. Allow up to 30 minutes for the largest piece to burn. If you desire a larger fire, or want your fire to burn longer, carefully place more firewood logs onto the burning fire.

5. Enclose the fire with a fireplace screen or grate. This prevents injury from flying embers. If you have children, the screen or grate can also protect them from getting too close to an active fire.

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave an open fire in a fireplace unattended.
• Never use flammable starting fluids in a household fireplace as an accelerator for your fire.