Tips for Lighting A Log Fire
Everyone loves a log fire. The sound of the logs crackling gently, that beautiful orange glow, and the intense warmth that radiates from the fireplace. A log fire is wonderful, but unless you know how to properly light one, it can be a highly confusing prospect to get one going. Here's everything you need to know.
Getting started
First, you'll need the right tools. You'll needs:
- Hand shovel
- Soft brush
- Tongs
- Poker
- Container (metallic)
- Lighter/matches
- Kindling
- Fire-lighters
- Logs
Before you begin
It's important that your chimney is clean and your equipment fit for purpose. Make sure to have your chimney cleaned at least bi-annually. You can't get a fire lit reliably without proper ventilation and airflow, either, so be sure your fireplace is suited to the task.
Raking the grate
Using your poker, rake the grate and allow the ash to fall into the ash pan. Then with the brush, sweep away any ash that remains, to leave the hearth and fireplace clean. Your fireplace doesn't have to be spotless – any old pieces of part-burnt fire log or fuel will help you get the next fire going.
Ash pan emptying
Using a metal container is recommended for properly disposing of any ash. Remember when you go to tip out the ash that it will fly everywhere if you're not careful. Keep in mind, also, that it can remain Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) hot for several hours after the fire has died.
Laying the fire-bed
Settle about two or three fire-lighters, and place a piece of kindling towards the back wall of the fireplace. Leaving enough space to reach the fire-lighters, build up another half dozen or so pieces of kindling.
Light and wait
Now it's time to take your matches/lighter to the fire-lighters. As the flames begin to grow, add some smaller logs to them to help the flames develop. Try to place the logs in such a way as to spread the fire around the grate evenly. Take your time, impatience will cause the fire to be snuffed out. Once the fire has settled, you can replace the fire guard, clean up, and enjoy the warmth!