Creating a Fire in a Wood Burning Stove

Wood burning stoves can be more than just a timeless decoration in your home. Unlike a traditional fireplace, starting a fire in one is not quite as simple. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy a warm, cozy fire.

The Prep Work

Your wood burning stove will have a door at the front where you place firewood and eventually light it. All of the smoke that is produced passes up through the flue and out of the chimney. While this may sound simple, it is important that you use the right type of firewood to ensure that you do not cause damage to any surrounding structures.

To avoid damage, you should always use firewood that has been seasoned (or dried out) for a time period of at least one year. Logs that are moist can create a buildup of resin in your chimney. When resin reaches a certain temperature, it can become a fire hazard.

Kindling

Kindling are the small pieces of your seasoned logs that are used to spark a flame. It can be prepared by chopping seasoned logs into small, long pieces. These pieces should resemble small sticks. Beech and ash logs are great for kindling.

Building Your Fire

There are many different methods to follow in order to build flames in your wood burning stove. The following method is a great one for beginners and anyone looking to quickly build flames. Begin by removing any ashes from inside of your wood burning stove. This helps to ensure that air is able to move freely throughout it. For even more air circulation, be sure to open the bottom vents.

You will then place some scrunched up pieces of paper at the bottom. Old newspaper is something that many people typically use. Spreading plenty of old newspaper along the bottom can help the flames to spread along the base of your stove. Next, you will place the kindling sticks on top of the newspaper. It is best to cross the sticks over each other in opposite directions.

Completing Your Fire

Once you have finished laying the kindling sticks, you should wait for them to catch fire. It is best to do this with the door closed. Once the majority of your kindling sticks have become lit, you should place a few larger pieces of firewood in the fire. Always add pieces one at a time so that you do not overload it. Consider adding no more than three to four pieces at a time. As the flames begin to grow, slowly close the bottom air vents. You should next open the top air vents. This will help to ensure that your logs continue to burn strongly.

Child Supervision

Wood burning stoves can be enjoyed by the entire family. However, never leave young children unsupervised. Additionally, you should never leave a fire burning alone without supervision. This is for the safety of your entire family.