Starting a fire from scratch can be a challenge. Having the correct materials and knowing how to use them is a challenge in and of itself.
Here is a quick guide on how to start a fire. Please note that while these are not specific instructions on lighting an inside chimney fire, most information is transferable.
1. Have an Appropriate Fire Bed
Do not be the person who burns down the neighborhood. Seriously. When starting a fire, safety always begins with your fire pit. Select an area away from plant material. Keep bushes and plants away. Try to find a dirt area. If you want to go the extra mile, put bricks around your fire to prevent embers from flying to problematic places. Or you can just dig a hole. That works too.
2. Get Wood
Got cheese? Great. We are happy for you. Now get wood.
Also, want a pro tip? Make sure the wood is not wet.
Go for fuel wood. While fuel wood may take a while to ignite, its burns last longer than other types of wood.
3. Make Fire
Take the wood (four pieces) and make a tee-pee by placing 1 log on the bottom and 3 around it.
Take strands of paper (such as toilet paper) and roll them. Once rolled, place three of them under the tee-pee and near the base wood. Finally, light both ends quickly and let this thing burn, baby.
As well, you can add more paper as is needed.
Not only should you have some extra paper but make sure to have a pitcher full of water just in case anything goes awry. You can never know.
When trying to put out a fire, pour water onto it, but do not dump water on it. This is good advice especially if you ever want to use your fireplace again.
And lastly, when pouring the water, stir the embers around to ensure water covers the whole fire.
In conclusion, we hope this helps you build a fire that doesn’t burn down your neighborhood.