5 Steps to Lighting a Wood Burning Fireplace Safely

Whether you’ve been caught in the rain, been out to play in the snow, or simply want a cosy evening in, nothing warms you up – or cheers you up – better than a roaring fire. Follow our simple steps below to learn how to light the perfect wood burning fire safely….

1. Prepare your hearth for the fire

If the fireplace is still filled with ashes from the previous fire, sweep them out and dispose of them to make room for the next lot. Be very careful if the ashes are hot; we recommend leaving them to cool completely before your clear the grate, but if you can’t wait, be sure to use a metal bucket and dustpan, and leave them to cool outside before putting them in a dustbin.

If you haven’t used your fireplace for a few months – be sure to have it professionally swept to ensure the flue is clear from obstructions or soot build-ups.

2. Prepare all the necessary elements

You will need newspaper and kindling, as well as coal or logs to maintain the fire, and matches to get it started. We recommend long cooks’ matches or a fire lighter so you don’t have to get too close to the fire. Make sure you have everything ready to go so you don’t have to leave the fire unattended to fetch coal or anything once you’ve started the process.

3. Build up the Fire

Begin by screwing up newspaper into loose balls and filling the fireplace with them. Once you have sufficient to fill the space, begin to layer up the kindling. This can be smaller sticks, wood shavings, twigs, or anything that will catch fire quickly and burn well, and should be arranged in a cross hatch or tepee pattern to create an even spread of heat and flames.

4. Light the fire

Begin by lighting the newspaper at the ends and in various places in the middle to create an even spread of flames. As the newspaper burns down, the kindling will light, and once you’re sure the fire has consumed the kindling, place larger logs and pieces of wood gently on top. Be careful not to over-feed the fire or you could smother it and you will have to start again!

5. Maintain the fire

When all the newspaper has burnt away and the flames are drawing air in at the base, so the flames  are going well, gently add the larger logs or coal to create a hot, long lasting fire, and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy the warm, welcoming fire! Be sure not to let it go out before you are ready by keeping it topped up with coal at regular intervals, and invest in a fire safety guard to avoid accidents – especially if you have children or pets.