While humans have been making fire for centuries, it actually isn’t as easy as it seems. So for those new to making fires, here is a little guide:

1. The Chimney
When not in use, many chimneys will draw cold air in, as cold air falls. You should open the door of the stove, or fireplace damper to see if you can feel cold air coming down. If this is the case, keep it in mind for stage 4.

2. The Kindling
Place firestarters, fatwood or balled up newspaper on the floor of the fireplace/stove. Place the kindling, in a crisscrossed fashion, across the starter or paper so that there is plenty of space between each piece.  Wood burns better if the air is able to circulate.

3. The Wood
Continue to build up the fire setting by placing larger and larger pieces of wood on top. If it is an open fire, one or two layers should suffice. If it’s a closed space, fill to about 2 thirds.

4. The Starting Blocks
If, in step 1, you found that cold air was flowing down the chimney you will have to reverse it before you can start the fire. In order to do this, place a balled up piece of newspaper either up through the damper, or as high up the stove as possible. Light the newspaper, and as soon as it is sucked up the chimney you must light the fire.

If in step 1 you found that cold air wasn’t flowing down the chimney then you are ready to start the fire straight away. Light the starter, keeping the damper fully open, or the stove slightly a jar, for a little while until the fire has caught.

5. The Fire
The fire should spread quite quickly, but do not close the air control or damper too soon after the fire has started. It may appear to be well established but it takes time for the chimney/stove to properly warm up and establish a good base.

6. The Up Keep

·   Add very dry wood to the fire if it starts to get low

·   Always keep a flame on the fire

·   Add more wood before the fire gets too low