When the weather turns chilly, you might start daydreaming about a nice, cozy fire in your fireplace. But building the perfect fire is easier said than done. Rather than an idyllic yuletide scene, you could end up with a cold, smokey room.
Here are our tips on the correct way to build a fire in the fireplace. This Old House mason Mark McCullough also shows the best techniques for creating a cozy atmosphere while staying safe.
Key Fireplace Terms
A properly functioning fireplace relies on a few key components and principles. Understanding the basic principles can help you build the perfect fire.
- Chimney draft: The chimney draft is the upward flow of air that carries smoke and gases out of your home. A good draft ensures that smoke rises up the chimney rather than entering your living space.
- Smoke shelf and chamber: Behind the visible part of your fireplace, there’s a smoke shelf and chamber. These components help direct smoke up the chimney. The smoke chamber is typically cone-shaped, narrowing as it approaches the flue, which helps funnel smoke upward.
- Heat distribution: A well-built fire concentrates heat in the lower part of the fireplace. This intense heat creates the strong updraft necessary for proper smoke ventilation. You can often see evidence of this heat distribution by looking at the back wall of the fireplace, where soot may be burnt off in the lower areas.
Materials Needed to Build a Fire
To build an effective fire, you’ll need the right materials. Here’s what you should gather:
- Newspaper or other paper for kindling
- Small, dry twigs or commercial fire starter
- Seasoned hardwood logs of various sizes
- Matches or a lighter
Avoid using glossy paper or cardboard, as these can release harmful chemicals when burned. Also, steer clear of pine and other softwoods, as they can cause creosote buildup in your chimney.
Preparing Your Fireplace
Before you start building your fire, you’ll need to make sure your fireplace is ready for use. Here are some key steps to take.
Clean the Firebox
Remove any old ashes and debris from the firebox. A clean firebox allows for better airflow and reduces the risk of stray embers causing problems.
Check the Damper
Open the damper before starting your fire. The damper is a metal plate that can open and close the flue. When open, it allows the smoke to escape properly.
Inspect the Chimney
If you haven’t used your fireplace in a while, we recommend having your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. This helps prevent dangerous chimney fires caused by creosote buildup.
Building Your Fire
Now that you’ve prepared your fireplace and gathered your materials, it’s time to build your fire. Follow these steps for the best results, as McCullough demonstrates.
- Crumple several pieces of newspaper loosely and place them under the grate.
- Take two of the largest logs and place them on the grate parallel to the back of the fireplace, leaving space between them for the flames to reach up over the logs.
- Place smaller logs perpendicularly on top of the larger logs.
- Add a loose pile of kindling on top of the smaller logs.
- Prime the chimney by lighting a piece of newspaper and holding it up in the chimney. This should start an updraft to ensure the smoke will rise right away.
- Use the same piece of paper (if it’s safe to do so) to light the pile of paper under the grate.
- Place the burning paper on top of the kindling to create a strong draft. This will keep the smoke in the chimney and out of the house.
Additional Tips for Building a Fire
Creating the perfect fire can take some practice. Follow these additional tips for building a fire in your fireplace.
Choosing the Right Wood
Seasoned hardwood is the best type of wood for your fireplace. It’s denser than softwood, burns longer, and produces less creosote. Softwoods such as pine can cause creosote buildup, which increases the risk of chimney fires.
Arranging the Logs
Proper log arrangement allows for airflow and efficient burning. Make sure to leave spaces between the logs to allow air to circulate. This circulation is key to maintaining a strong, steady fire.
Using Fire Starters
While newspaper and kindling are traditional fire starters, commercial fire starters are another effective option. They ignite quickly and burn long enough for the larger logs to catch fire.
Maintaining Your Fire
Once your fire is burning well, you’ll want to maintain and monitor the fire. Here are some tips.
- Adding logs: Add new logs to the fire before it burns too low. Place them carefully on the existing fire, being mindful not to disrupt the airflow.
- Adjusting airflow: If your fireplace has adjustable vents, you can use these to control the intensity of the fire. More air will make the fire burn hotter and faster, while less air will slow it down.
- Monitoring the fire: Never leave a fire unattended. Always keep an eye on it, especially if you have children or pets in the home.
Safety Considerations When Fire Building
A fire may be cozy, but it’s important to prioritize safety. Follow these key safety tips.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home and check them regularly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
- Use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping.
- Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
- Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
Troubleshooting Common Fire Building Issues
Even with proper technique, you might occasionally encounter issues with your fireplace. Here are some common problems and solutions.
Smoke Entering the Room
If smoke is coming into your room instead of going up the chimney, it could be due to a cold chimney. Try holding a lit piece of newspaper up in the flue to warm the air and start the updraft before lighting your fire.
Fire Not Catching
Only dry and seasoned will catch fire. Wet or green wood won’t burn well. Also, make sure you’re using enough kindling to get the larger logs burning.
Excessive Creosote Buildup
If you notice a lot of creosote (a black, tar-like substance) in your chimney, you may need to adjust your burning habits. Burning seasoned hardwood at higher temperatures can help reduce creosote buildup.
Our Conclusion
By following these steps and safety precautions on the correct way to build a fire in a fireplace, you can create a cozy fire that enhances your home’s comfort. Use seasoned hardwood, build your fire with proper airflow in mind, and always prioritize safety.
Expert assistance with this segment was provided by MJM Masonry.