How to Start a Wood Burning Stove
Wood stoves were a common household heating source for many years, particularly in pioneer times throughout the United States. These stoves are still quite common in traditional log cabins throughout the American west, around mountainous areas. Operating a wood stove is a simple process, involving basic fire starting knowledge. Lighting or starting a wood fire in a stove incorporates the same process of lighting a campfire. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Kindling (newspaper or fire-starting logs)
- Wood (cut to fit the firebox of the stove)
- Matches
Instructions
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1
Open the firebox on the front of the stove belly. This is usually a small metal door secured by one or two hinges with a latch.
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2
Open the flue pipe damper inside the stove. Some models of wood stoves do not have a flue pipe damper, however if your stove has this option, open it by pushing the damper handle upward. The handle should be at the very back of the stove.
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3
Place kindling inside the firebox. You can use starter logs, newspaper, small dry twigs, or paraffin wax starters. Light the kindling with a match and allow it to burn for a few seconds.
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4
Place the logs inside the firebox on top of the kindling as it burns. If the kindling starts to die out, add a little more on top or lean it against the wood logs, and gently blow over the flames to fan them to induce a greater burn rate. Close the firebox door.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a fire poker to stoke the fire to allow longer burn time. Turn the logs over every 30 minutes to one hour during burn time.
Always ensure that the flue pipe is clear and open before starting a fire.
Always shut the firebox door after starting the fire.
