The Log Rack
How to start a fire without a Boy Scout
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Anyone can start a warm fire without the help of a Boy Scout. The first and most important step is
opening your damper. There are several types of dampers some have a knob to turn on the front of the
fireplace but the most common type is the ratchet The ratchet type is where you have to reach up and
pull the leaver toward you. You can use your fireplace poker and hook the loop at the end of the ratchet
pulling tit toward you, you can use a damper pull, or you can reach your hand up there but make sure
you have hearth gloves on when you do it. If you feel a rush of cold air when you open the damper you
might want to warm up your flue. Rolling a piece of newspaper forming a small torch holding it up to the
open damper then lighting it will create an updraft in your chimney and this will prevent smoke from
entering your home when you start the fire.
The next step is choosing some kindling, dried kiln wood split into small pieces of small branches and
twigs. When laying the kindling on your grate criss-cross the pieces leaving air space between them. The
next step is choosing a fire starter. Many people grab wads of newspaper shoving them between the
kindling and lighting it. Newspaper tends to burn quick and doesn't always light your kindling the first
time, this step needs to be repeated a few times before it works. the most popular natural fire starter is
called fatwood. Fatwood is kindling that is split from the aged stumps of pine trees. Fatwood is usually 6
to 8 inches in length and just one piece will burn for up to 20 minutes and is more than enough time to
start your kindling on fire.
There are several other methods for starting your fire. Rutland Products makes safe-lite fire starters that
are compressed sawdust, one square is need to start a fire. Rutland also makes One Match® Gel Fire
Starter, a gelled alcohol in a squeeze bottle, this is generally used for pellet stoves but can be used in a
fireplace or wood stove. Another method is the ceramic brick fire starter. A cast iron tray with a ceramic
brick inside is filled with Kerosene or lighter fluid then placed under your grate.
Of course the easiest way of all is with a gas fire starter. If you have the convenience of a gas line in your
firebox with a pipe running under your grate you just have to light a match and turn the gas on, after a
few minutes your firewood is burning just turn the gas off and enjoy the fire! *Many homes have gas logs
installed in their fireplaces, with today's high heating costs homeowners are removing the gas logs and
going back to burning wood. When disconnecting your gas logs you can easily add a log lighter to the
gas line. These are available at Home Depot or your local hardware store for $10 - $12 and are a smart
choice.
Once your kindling is burning you can add larger pieces of kindling and branches gradually building up
to your split firewood. When you start a fire with kindling and gradually adding larger pieces as they burn
you start building up your ember bed of hot coals and this is what keeps feeding the fire.
Now just sit back and enjoy your toasty warm relaxing fire. Of course the last step is getting a hot cup of
hot chocolate and making popcorn over the fire for your family. Enjoy!
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Fireplace Fire Starters
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8 lb Bag Fatwood Natural Fire Starter
Natural fire starter fatwood. Fatwood fireplace fire starter, 8 lb burlap bag.
Fatwood is a traditional expression used to describe the high concentration of
pitch (natural resin) in the wood.
Free Shipping! Sale Price $26.88
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Kerosene Ceramic Firewood Fire Starter
Firewood ceramic fire starter for wood burning fireplaces. The easy way to light
your firewood, ceramic fire starter. Never use kindling again! Pour half a cup of
kerosene or charcoal lighter fluid on the ceramic brick fire starter.
Free Shipping! Sale $31.88
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