Any suggestions how to start my fireplace that is neither gas or electric?

by Fire Places on August 8, 2010

We just bought a house and the fireplace is neither gas or electric. Do I just put wood in the fireplace and open the damper. This is the first house I ever owned with a fireplace. We live in Southern California and it only gets cold in the winter. But I just want to prepare myself. Don’t want to burn the house down or smoke the house if you get my drift. Any suggestions how to start my fireplace that is neither gas or electric?


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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

Maryanne August 8, 2010 at 9:54 pm

First, you should have a professional look at it to make sure it is safe to use and ok to burn wood. You may need your chimney cleaned since creosote can build up over time with burning wood. So, it’s best to have it cleaned and checked before you use it to have a time frame when it should be cleaned again. With my fireplace, I crunch up some old newspaper and put it in the bottom, then stack a few small pieces of wood over the paper and light it. When that seems to be burning ok, I throw a bigger log in and then keep adding wood as needed. As far as the damper, I was told that you need it open to allow the smoke to escape through the chimney and to allow airflow to help the fire burn better. If anyone has better advice than I do, I’d love to hear it as well. I hope this helps you.

rai August 8, 2010 at 9:54 pm

open the vent and light some wood on fire. maybe do a creasote log the first time you use it

Alex August 8, 2010 at 9:54 pm

that’s exactly how you do it… also, you can get one of those starter logs and place it at the bottom of the pile of wood in your fireplace

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