How to Start a Fire in a Fireplace

There's nothing quite like the coziness and warmth from a crackling fire when it's freezing cold outside.  It is certainly a vital part to an enjoyable winter getaway! However, many of us have not learned how to start a fire efficiently as gas and electric fireplaces are increasing in popularity. You put some wood in the fireplace, light a match, and sit back and just watch it burn, right? Not so much. If you don’t know what you’re doing it can be a frustrating experience instead of a relaxing one. Cold weather can make it especially difficult so there are a couple of additional things to consider when starting fires in winter.

          

First, some things to keep in mind:

• If the fireplace has a damper, open it completely before beginning
• Clean out any ashes from previous fires - leave an inch or so for insulation if it's especially cold out
• Fire feeds off of air, so leave space around logs
• Use dry, seasoned wood
• Good kindling includes sticks and logs that have been split very small 
• Good tinder includes twigs, pieces of bark, pine cones and paper (not glossy)
• If starting with a very cold fireplace, the flue may need to be primed - roll up some newspaper, light the end and hold it near the open damper for a couple of minute

     Most people start a fire by laying down tinder, followed by kindling, and then finally layering logs on top.  Though this is the most popular method, it isn’t the best (by far)!

Here are a couple of methods that burn cleaner, produce less ash and soot, ensure a better air supply, require less tending to and make the firewood last longer, all while producing more heat! Give both of them a try and see which one suits you.

THE “UPSIDE DOWN” METHOD 

1. Lay two or three large logs down parallel to each other with a good distance between them 
2. Lay about four or five smaller logs on top of the larger logs, again leaving space between them 
3. Add another layer of even smaller logs (~ 6)
4. Finally, add a layer of tinder and then a layer of kindling
5. Light the tinder and enjoy a long lasting crackling fire as the embers drop down and feed the layers below!

“LOG CABIN” METHOD

1. Lay two logs parallel to each other about six inches apart,
2. Lay two logs on top and perpendicular to the first two
3. Add another layer or two of smaller logs if room allows
4. Heap kindling and tinder in the middle and light!

When your first load of wood has turned into charcoal, add more wood and enjoy!

(Remember to never leave a fire unattended, have a fire extinguisher handy, and communicate with children about the dangers of fire)