Here’s how to build one just in case you don’t know. Let’s start with the great indoors…
Safety first, make sure your fireplace has a good grate, a screen that will stop any flying sparks,
a flue that opens to allow the smoke to escape, and a fire extinguisher nearby
Modern Host
Be ready to build a fire
As the weather starts to chill
you should be ready to build a fire.
1
TEST THE FLUE
Open the flue and feel for cold, outside air. Burn some newspaper to check the draft and warm up the flue.
2HAVE TINDER, KINDLING, AND FUELWOOD
TINDER
Crumble a few pieces of newspaper or MacGyver it up with dryer lint (remember there is a reason that trap needs to be regularly cleaned).
KINDLING
Think small twigs and branches, anything the width of a pencil, that keeps the flame going. Moving directly to big logs will smother the flame.
FUELWOOD
Use wood the width of your wrist or your forearm. Those huge logs in fireplaces are usually too big and take a long time to catch fire.
3STRUCTURE IT
Throw your tinder towards the back of the fireplace. Stack on some kindling, leave enough room for air to circulate so nothing too rigid.
4LIGHT IT UP
Light the tinder in a few different spots to get it burning quickly. Add a bit more
kindling once you see the start of a nice coal bed. Now add the fuelwood by laying
logs across the grate lengthwise, then stack one or two on top diagonally, allowing for
airflow so everything catches fire easily.
Once you have mastered the fireplace fire check back with us to learn
how to build a campfire.