Did you know that the very first open-hearth was discovered in Turkey? This is because it’s believed that man first started to use fire as a means of heat and survival. In time, this discovery led to the creation of the modern-day fireplace.
You should understand how important it is for you to have a clean grate before building a fireplace fire. A dirty grate will not only damage the look of your fireplace but also cause smoke and pollution inside your home. These elements can be highly dangerous if they’re inhaled by anyone living with you. Therefore, having a good understanding of how to start a fire in your fireplace is just as important as knowing how to clean it.
The following guide will provide you with all the necessary steps on how to build a better fire in your fireplace:
1) CLEAN THE GRATE
Before building any fire, always make sure that the grate is clean and free of debris. This can be done by using a wire brush to scrub off any dirt or soot. You may also need to use a poker to move any larger pieces of debris that may be blocking the airflow.
2) CHOOSE THE RIGHT WOOD
Not all types of wood are created equal when it comes to starting fires. The best kind of wood to use is hardwood, such as oak, maple, or hickory. Softwoods, such as pine or cedar, are not as dense and will take longer to ignite.
3) START WITH KINDLING
If you’re using hardwood logs, start by stacking the kindling on top of the grate. The kindling should be made up of small twigs and branches that are about the size of a pencil. Once the kindling is in place, light it on fire.
4) ADD THE LOGS
Once the kindling is burning, add the larger logs one at a time. Make sure that they are evenly spaced out so that there is plenty of airflows. If the logs are too close together, they may not ignite properly.
5) NURSE THE FIRE
Once the fire is going, don’t forget to tend to it. Make sure to add more kindling and logs as needed, and keep the fire stoked by gently blowing on it. If you let the fire die out, it will be a lot harder to get it going again.
Once the fire is burning well, it should be strong enough to last for several hours through the night. So find yourself a good book and forget about your troubles! Keep an eye on how things are progressing- if you notice that there is one spot in particular where the wood is smoking more than others, use the poker to move the logs around so that all parts of them are exposed to air. Don’t forget to thank your hardworking fire!