Fireplaces provide much-needed warmth during the cold winter months. The hearth can also provide an aesthetically-pleasing focal point to your home if the fire is built properly. In this post, Batts’ Chimney Services will walk you through the proper way to build a fire in your fireplace.
What You Need
Before you start a fire, make sure you have the following within reach:
- Long safety matches. The extra length helps reduce the risk of singeing your fingers. You can also use a utility lighter with an extended tube.
- Firewood. Seasoned hardwood is ideal because it produces less smoke. Never use wet or unseasoned wood as this may be dangerous to your health.
- Kindling. Small pieces of dried twigs or sticks, which can be purchased online or at hardware stores.
- Tinder. Newspaper or similar uncoated paper will serve as tinder. Avoid using magazine paper, laminated paper, or cardboard. This will
- Utensils. Wrought iron fireplace utensils such as tongs and poker are essential.
Make sure that the fireplace grate and screen are in place. Also, clear flammable materials like paper products, drapes and clothing away from the fireplace.
How to Start a Fire
Once the fireplace is clean and you have all the items listed above, it’s time to get started on your fire.
- Place the firewood on the fireplace grate. Pick two to three pieces of firewood in a crisscross pattern.
- Apply tinder and kindling. Crumple the newspaper sheets between the firewood pieces and cover them with kindling. Add one or two more pieces of firewood on top.
- Create a draft. Make sure that the fireplace damper is fully open. Twist a sheet of newspaper and light it, then hold it as high as possible in the fireplace to create a draft in the chimney.
- Light the kindling. When the twisted newspaper is burned just past halfway, use it to slowly light the kindling. If done properly, the fire should slowly spread to the crumpled newspapers and to the firewood. Use your utensils to evenly distribute the wood in the firebox.
To maintain the fire, add one or two pieces of firewood at a time and don’t crowd the hearth with too many pieces. Make sure that you put out the fire before turning in for the night, and only close the damper once the fire and coals are completely cool.
Batts’ Chimney Services offers chimney cleaning and other chimney services. Call us at (205) 956-8207 or (256) 660-1338 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
