Starting a Log Fire
The first step in building a Wood Fire is to find out where the combustion air enters the firebox. For most modern stoves and fireplaces with glass doors, much of the air enters the firebox through a narrow strip above and behind the glass panel.
This "air wash" flows down across the glass to the front of a wood fire because it is cooler, denser and heavier than the combustion gases.
Most stoves without a glass air wash system will have an air inlet near the bottom of the firebox, usually just inside the loading door.
This is the location where you want to concentrate the paper and kindling and light your wood fire so that it gets plenty of air.
Starting a Coal Fire
The burning of coal requires patience and a specific and regular procedure of loading, shaking, adjusting, etc. If you do not follow the right procedure the coal fire will go out. This can happen in a short period of time and once the extinction process has begun, it is almost impossible to reverse.
Start by making sure the chimney is drafting upwards. Use paper and dry kindling to start a coal fire. Add small pieces of hardwood while your coal fire is burning hot. Make sure you keep the fire breathing by leaving the draft control fully open until a hot coal fire is established.
When you have a decent bed of wood embers, start adding small amounts of coal making sure to keep the draft control open. Keep adding small amounts of coal until you have a 1" to 2" bed. Adding to much coal can slow the burning time and may also stop the coal from igniting.
It is essential that you fill your stove to the highest level possible. A full bed of coal is critical for the correct function of every coal fire. Since coal can be regulated better than wood, you have the option to run your stove hot but also to control the stove by setting the air control.
For more information on Coal Fires visit the Coal Fires page.
Fireplace Safety Tips
Use caution when loading your stove. Always open the door or hatch slowly so as to allow oxygen to enter and burn any combustible gases that are present. Failure to do this could result in "mini explosions" (sudden ignition of unburned gases).
With the exception of the start-up period, an ash door should never be left open. Serious damage from overheating can result. Coal stoves should only be used with chimneys that provide a strong and constant draft.