How to Start a Fire in the Fireplace

Follow These Steps:

  1. Open the airflow damper fully.
    • Livingroom fireplace: Slide the lever to the right (below the chamber).
    • Bedroom fireplace: Pull the lever out fully.
  2. Build an upside-down fire.
  3. Close and latch the chamber door.
  4. Be patient.
    • Let the large logs catch on their own.
  5. Once the fire is going strong,
    • Set the damper back to 50% for a slower, longer burn.
    • You can go as low as 30%
  6. Just before the logs have burned down to coals,
    • Add two logs at a time only.

A Few Tips

  • Don’t overload the fireplace — less is more.
  • You don’t need big flames for great heat.
  • Burn wood slowly and sparingly — it’s a limited resource.

Things to Avoid

  • Overloading the chamber with wood.
  • Leaving the door open. 
  • Completely closing the damper.

Safety Tips

  • Keep the door closed. Open fires are a fire hazard.
  • Do not touch the hot fireplace.
  • Use the protective glove when opening the chamber.

The Upside-Down Fire

The best way to start a fire in a woodburning fireplace is by building an “upside-down fire.”  This method rapidly heats your flue pipe to create a natural draw as soon as possible, reducing the possibility of smoke ingress into the room.

Step 1 

The Larger Logs First

Start by placing the largest logs side by side on the bottom. Try to get them as tight together as possible. The goal is not to leave a space for the ashes to fall through.

Step 2 

The Medium-Sized Wood Next

On the next layer, put slightly smaller logs that burn more easily. The idea is that the easier it burns, the higher up the pile it goes. 

Step 3

The Kindling and Firelighters Last

Finally, place two thin kindling sticks parallel with a firefighter between them. Add two more layers of alternating perpendicular kindling sticks on top of this. You can leave the firefighter in its foil cover.

Step 4 

Starting The Upside-Down Fire

Your firelighters should be within the layers of kindling with a clear opening to the top. You want the flames to burn unimpeded through the middle to start warming the flue immediately. Start the fire by lighting the foil around the firelighter.