how can you start a fire in your fireplace?

Answer 1

Kindling or a starter log are critical to getting the fire going. Also, green wood will not burn well, no matter how much kindling you have. Use dry wood.

Answer 2

First if you have never had a fire in the chimney, because people often block the flue way either with rags at the bottom or cement at the top to reduce drafts in the room first light a torch of paper just to see that the flue is clear and the flue has a good draft. Then using paper twists and sticks ( kindling ) or fire lighters and gradually build up to coal or logs , if using logs have a fire guard to protect from bits flying out.

Don't forget the children protect them from any open fire. Not such a problem now but I can remember nylon night dresses catching fire on children and it sticks to the skin. Severe burns and even fatalities were not uncommon.

Answer 3

You should first make sure the fireplace damper is open (so the smoke exits the chimney and doesn't back up).

Then you wanna crinkle some newspaper sheets up and put them under the log grate.

Put 2-4 dry logs on the grate, roll up a section of newspaper and light it, and if the smoke rises up the chimney, you're good to light the paper under the logs.

You should probably keep the screen in front of the fireplace, also, in the event that one of the logs roll or something.

Have fun!

Answer 4

This is the easiest way to start a fire with wood:

Be sure the damper is open in the chimney - also you should have the chimney checked for creosote build up before you light any fires.

Get one of those fire logs of compressed wood like you see in the grocery and hardware stores. You can get the small starter logs

You just put your wood on loosely on top and light the paper on the store log and no problems you have a fire.

I could show you how to light a fire with balled up newspapers and kindling but it is too hard to explain in writing.

No,no to wax and sawdust starters as they will smell and smoke your house out

Answer 5

Needed:
-Matches
-Small kindling (Ensure that all wood is dry and
-Larger sticks (ready to burn
-Smaller logs
-Larger logs

*Before you begin*
-DON'T FORGET TO OPEN THE DAMPER!

Start with one or two sections of the newspaper. Crumple up each page to about the size of a baseball and line the fireplace grate with them. Break up a couple of handfuls of thin sticks until they are about the size of pencils and pile them over the layer of paper,
not too spread out and not too heaped up.
Now the fire is ready to light!
You just need a single match, lighting the heap of paper from underneath, near the center of the grate. Have some of those larger sticks on hand to add on the fire just after the kindling begins to catch.
Now that the fire is all caught up, you can relax.
Give the larger sticks a minute or so to get burning, then begin to add one or two of the smaller logs.
Now, you may continue to add more or larger logs, keeping the fire at the level you desire.
Enjoy!

***********************Tips*************************
-Hardwoods burn longer,cleaner and hotter than regularly forested wood

-Aviod woods that have thick, rough bark - such as pine - they tend to pop (loudly) and contain too much sap/resin.

-You may want to purchase a fire screen - especially if you don't have a decently-sized hearth, one that extends at least two feet out from the fire in all directions. It can keep hot embers from meeting small children, pets and combustuble items.

-Fireplaces take a lot of maintenance - you should try to find a local chimney cleaner and
set up an annual schedule for cleaning and inspection.

Answer 6

I use a starter log, you can burn it by itself or with logs.....Here in my hometown gas stations sells logs wrapped together for $4, You can buy starter logs at wal-mart, home depot, etc...places like that....Before you get started make sure the chute is open in your chimney....use 1 starter log with 2-3 regular logs...light the starter log and the rest of the wood will catch fire...Fireplaces can be so extraordinary, romantic and put a very special feeling on the holidays....I love mine and I hope you get to love yours

Answer 7

First, make sure the chimney is open. You don't want any bird nest or such blocking the opening. Yes, start with kindling and/or newspaper (or starter logs.) Add the larger and dry logs on to or add later once the fire has started. It is not difficult. Start with very small stuff first. They catch on fire easier. Good luck

Answer 8

First you better check the flum to make sure it works, then have the fire place checked by the fire dept if its an old one. start with rolled up news paper( not not use colored ads or raping paper this will start sparking out) then start with small wood chips or starting wood. you can buy starting logs atany store. then ut on a split wood dry. also don't use pine wood in your fire,it burns fast and wil leave depoits in the smoke stack. good luck

Answer 9

well get a lighter and matches and paper and wood and then light the paper with a match or lighter and it sould start but before you light it put the wood in the firplace then light the paper and throw it on the wood trust it should work i suck at lightinhg fireplaces but thats just what my dad tells me to do!

Answer 10

Well the best thing to use is a match.
But if none is available, try rubbing 2 sticks together until red hot. If that dont work try striking an iron rock and a piece of flintstone to create a spark.
Best last resort. Use gasoline and an aim-n-flame.
Oh,,,, be certain to have a fire extinguisher, paramedic, and the fire dept. on standby if you choose the last resort.