The key to a roaring blaze is the “fire triangle”—heat, fuel, and oxygen—and people often forget one element, says Daniel Kimia, the managing director at Zoroast The Fireplace Store in Toronto. “Usually, it’s not leaving enough room for airflow,” he says, adding that kindling or chemical firestarters are better than newspaper to start and keep a fire going. They catch quickly and don’t burn out as fast.
Choose seasoned hardwood such as oak, maple, or beech, that’s been dry for at least six months. “Hit two pieces of wood together. A solid, hollow sound means they’re dry,” says Kimia. Don’t pile on too much wood at once. Arrange kindling in a teepee shape for maximum airflow, placing firestarters or small twigs at the base. Once that material catches, add small pieces of wood, which burn hotter, helping to create a stable fire.
Have a poker, a log lifter, and a bucket of water or sand close by (if you don’t have a fire extinguisher), and never leave your fire unattended, says Kimia. “Let it die down naturally, or use the damper to control the burn rate before going to bed.” Make sure that all embers are out before leaving the room for good, and clean out ashes between fireplace uses.
This article was originally published in the Winter 2024 issue of Cottage Life.
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