How To Build A Fire In A Real Fireplace?

I'm having a hard time getting a fire to go in my fireplace without having to buy a starter log from the grocery store. I've used twigs and paper but still not much luck. Any suggestions?

Sherry

 

A couple of cups of Gasoline would do it.

Of course you will probably need a new house! :jester:

 

When lighting a fire in our woodtove we always use "Sure Fire-Fire lighting squares" bought them at Ace Hardware in Clayton,also use a few small pieces of dry wood for kindling. Lowes sells "Weber Fire lighting cubes" they work as well!

 

We cheat and use a small propane torch. :neutral:

 

8)

 

twigs or some scrap paper

 

Don't use hardwood kindling. Use pine or another softwood.

 

If you want, I can come over and show you how to build a fool proof fire. I was a Boyscout for several years and the head fire builder (yeah, they actually titled me Fire Chief) at the youth camp I went to.

 

You have to get a "draft" going, basically get air started going in the front of the fireplace and up the chimney. We used to always use a crumpled up wad of newspaper, 2-3 sheets- placed on top of the stack of wood + kindling. Let that get burning good and then light the crumpled up newspaper that you've stuffed in beneath the stacked wood + kindling . If everything's dry and stacked with enough space so that air can move between the logs, it should start up and burn pretty well.

It definitely takes some practice, but you should be able to do it!

 

Thanks everyone, except Hugh haha, I finally got the fire going. It seems like an awful lot of work. I may have to have this wood burning fireplace switched out to gas before next winter. Seems much easier.

Once again, thanks,
Sherry

 

:lol:

 

Fire Place - Vent-Free Gas Logs - Own your own tank

Fire Place - Gas Logs

If you do decide to switch to Gas, I would take a look at Vent-free gas logs (over a vented setup).

- Vent-Free puts out a LOT more heat.

If you are using propane, purchase your own (outside propane tank).
In both of my houses, over the past 15 yrs in the Cleveland area, the propane tank paid for itself in 2 years.

The cost of propane (per gallon) can be over $1 less per gallon.
and I use less than 200 gallons per year for my gas logs.
(gas logs is my only gas appliance)

The some propane companies provide specials over the summer, on tank installs and tank purchases.

If you have a Customer Owned Tank, the price per gallon varies daily.
One company, around here was $1.79 per gallon more than another company.
(that was within the last 6 weeks)
- I purchased 89 gallons.

In 2005, I paid about $365 for a new 120 gallon tank (installed).

There are some propane companies that are VERY PRONE to provide customers with misleading and incorrect information.
(trying to be polite here)

 

^ Good advice.