What’s the Proper Way to Start a Fire in a Fireplace?

Lighting up your fireplace is a great way to keep your home warm and cozy during the winter months. But before you can enjoy its warmth, you need to know how to start a fire in it safely. This blog post will walk you through the steps of starting a fire in your West Charlton, NY, home’s fireplace, as well as some important safety considerations that must be taken into account.

Placing the Firewood

The first step is to place your firewood into the fireplace. Depending on the size of your fireplace, you may need to use a combination of smaller logs and larger pieces. Place them in an upside-down “V” shape with a few inches between each piece for air circulation. 

Lighting the Firestarter

Once your wood is in place, you’ll need to use a firestarter to light the logs. There are several options available such as paper or natural fire starters. Place one or two of these items at the bottom of the “V” shape and light it with a match. 

Adding More Wood

Once the fire has started, you can add more wood. Place larger pieces of wood near the back and smaller logs towards the front of your fireplace to maintain a steady burn. 

Extinguishing the Fire

When it’s time to extinguish the fire, do not just throw a blanket over it or use water. Instead, spread the logs apart and sprinkle them with baking soda or salt. This will smother the flames and allow you to safely put out the fire. 

Safety Considerations

In addition to knowing how to start and extinguish your fire properly, some important safety considerations must be taken into account when using a fireplace. These include:

• Proper Ventilation – Ensure your chimney is functioning properly by having it inspected annually. This ensures that there aren’t any blockages forming inside so that smoke doesn’t build up in your home while you’re burning a fire in your fireplace.
• Fireplace Inspection – Much like your chimney, your fireplace should also be inspected at least annually. Have an expert inspect your fireplace for any cracks or other damage to ensure that it’s still safe for you to use. 
• Fire Extinguisher – Keep at least one working fire extinguisher near the area of your fireplace in case of emergencies where quick action needs to be taken.

With the proper safety measures in place, you can enjoy your indoor fire with peace of mind. 

If you need any help with your fireplace whether it’s troubleshooting or repair, the experts at Chimney Doctors can help. We also offer comprehensive chimney services, including chimney masonry repair, chimney sweep, and chimney relining. Contact us at (518) 882-5009 to schedule a consultation.