How To Build The Perfect Fireplace Fire
There’s nothing like a nice warm fireplace to make you feel cozy in your home. Just about anyone can throw a few logs into the fireplace, toss in a match (or two… or three…), and get a little fire going. But in order to build up a safe, lasting, and low maintenance fire, there’s a few things you need to do.
Clean Your Chimney
Even if you don’t use your fireplace that often, you should have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional every year. Birds can build up nests within your chimney and all sorts of other debris can get caught inside of it – which can cause dangerous fires.
Make Sure You Have All Of Your Supplies On Hand
To be safe, make sure all of what you need to build up your fire is around you:
- Logs of various sizes
- Kindling
- Uncoated newspaper
- Fireplace grate
- Fireplace screen
- Poker, tongs, shovel, and brush
- Long matches
Open the damper
Don’t forget this step! If you don’t open your damper, you’ll accidentally fill your home with smoke!
Lighting Your Fire
Once your log stack is built and you have your crumpled newspaper and kindling on top, it’s time to light your fire. Use a long match to prevent an accidental burn. Once your fire is lit, replace the fireplace screen back into place.
Extinguish
If you plan to stick around home while your fire is burning, you can let it burn out on it’s own. But if you’re planning to leave or go to bed, make sure to extinguish your fire. Use your fireplace tools to spread out the wood and scatter embers – use ash to cover any glowing logs or embers. If you’re in a hurry, sprinkle a bit of baking soda over the fire.
A nice, cozy fire is nice but it’s no substitute for the control and convenience of a well-maintained home heating unit. If you need help keeping your home warm this winter, contact A-Abel for your annual or emergency service.
