How To Start A Fire In A Fireplace

By Author: Fireside Chimney Supply
Total Articles: 2
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You have a fireplace. Do you really know how to use it, though? Knowing how to build a fire in the fireplace can be helpful information on a cold winter's night. How hard can a fire be, right? If you think all you need is some wood and a lighter, you're not alone. Actually, there are a few key components of a proper fire that will keep your household both safe and warm. If you've never started a fire in a fireplace, here's how to get started.

Step 1: You're right that you need wood to get started. Place two medium sized pieces of firewood on the metal grate approximately six inches apart.

Step 2: Tinder is easily combustible material used to start a fire. Crumple sheets of newspaper or other tinder in between the two pieces of firewood. Cover the tinder with kindling. Kindling is the small pieces of wood that catch fire from the tinder to build the foundation for the main firewood.

Step 3: Place one to two more pieces of firewood on top of the other logs, making sure there is enough space for ventilation. This can be done with the help of a grate.

Step 4: You want to vent the smoke outside, not let ...
... it fill up your living room! Before going forward, check to ensure that the fireplace damper is fully open.

Step 5: You're all set up and ready to actually light the fire! Start off by twisting a single sheet of newspaper and light it while holding it as high up as possible in the fireplace. Doing it this way can help establish a good draft in the chimney as the heat rises.

Step 6: Now, slowly move the flame into the fireplace, lighting the kindling with the burning paper.

Step 7: Once a fire is established, add firewood as needed and make sure to keep flames visible below the fireplace opening.

What Common Fireplace Tools You'll Need
First, there is the wood. You always want to use dry wood when burning fires. You may also want to have an accelerant. You never want to put flammable liquids like gasoline into a home fireplace. Instead, you can use prepackaged fire starters or small pieces of tinder to stoke the flames.

There's a few other individual fireplace tools you'll want to have. For one, get extra-long wooden safety strike matches, the longer the better. Use a wrought iron fireplace grate that fits your fireplace and helps allow the air to flow under logs. Use a fireplace screen or panels that sufficiently cover the entire width of your hearth's opening. Of course, you'll also want utensils. Individual fireplace tools include a poker, tongs, shovel and brush. Don't forget the ash bucket with a lid! You'll also probably want some type of round poly brush to clean out the fireplace afterwards.

This may seem like a lot at first. Don't worry! After a time or two you'll know exactly what you are doing and be a fire-starting expert!