How to Start and Maintain a Fire in a Fireplace
Many people think starting a fire is as easy as striking a match or flicking a lighter. But starting a strong fire and maintaining it is a multistep process that requires some knowledge on the subject. Here's how to create a strong, smokeless blaze in your fireplace. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Let air in. Before starting any kind of fire in your fireplace, make sure the air control is fully open and that the chimney is drafting upwards. Otherwise, you may end up with a smoky mess in your home.
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2
Lay the foundation. Begin by laying a large log across the back of the andirons. The andirons hold the log up so the air can pass around it, allowing for proper burning and minimizing smoke. Place a smaller log approximately 4 inches in front of the larger log. For best results, use a slab that you can place flat side in.
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Add newspaper. The empty area between the two logs should be filled with tightly crumpled black-and-white newspaper. Avoid using colored or coated newspaper; it will not burn as well.
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Add kindling. On top of the newspaper, lay dry kindling that is no more than 1 inch in diameter. Loosely crisscross the pieces of kindling. Remember that softwoods, such as cedar and pine, make the best kindling. Lay a small log on top of the kindling.
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Set a match to the newspaper. The blaze should start easily and quickly. The key now is to keep the fire burning.
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Let the wood settle. After the fire takes hold, make sure that the top log gradually settles between the lower two logs. In the meantime, push the front log toward the rear of the fireplace, and replace it when there is enough room to do so. Add another top log if there is room.
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Replace logs as you go. When the back log burns through, add a replacement log on top of the stack. To work it into position, draw the fragments of the original log forward to make room. Repeat this process as long as you maintain the fire.
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Tips & Warnings
Use hardwood when building a fire. It works better than softwood and burns longer. Softwood should be used only for kindling.
To create a smokeless blaze, use dry, well-seasoned wood. Wet or freshly cut wood will be difficult to ignite and may cause the fire to smoke.
