FIREWOOD 101
How to Build a Proper Fire
Dry wood, enough kindling and space for airflow: a practical guide to starting an indoor wood fire.
Before you light the fire
This guide describes a kindling-first method for indoor wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. Follow your appliance manual for lighting, fuel loads, air controls and door position.
Check that the chimney and appliance are maintained, the flue path is open and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work. Keep combustibles clear. Use dry, untreated wood and a suitable fire starter; never use gasoline, lighter fluid or treated wood. For an open fireplace, use a spark screen. Keep the fire attended.
1. Prepare dry wood and kindling
Gather dry kindling, a suitable fire starter and two or three small split logs. Kindling means thin pieces of wood; it can be hardwood or softwood.
Use enough thin pieces to sustain a flame that can ignite the small splits. There is no universal piece count: thickness, dryness and firebox size matter more than a fixed number.
Choose wood below 20% moisture, checked on a freshly split interior face with a moisture meter. Store it off the ground, sheltered from rain and with airflow around it.
2. Arrange and light the kindling
Place an appliance-compatible fire starter beneath a loose criss-cross stack of dry kindling. Leave visible gaps between the pieces so air can reach the flame. Keep the stack stable and within the firebox.
Light the starter according to its instructions. Set air controls and any flue damper as your appliance manual directs. Do not assume a stove door should be left open during lighting.
A kindling-first fire is one option. Some appliances recommend a top-down arrangement, with larger splits below smaller wood and kindling. Follow the method recommended for your fireplace or stove.
3. Add small splits as flames build
Let the kindling establish steady flames before adding one or two small splits. Position them so the flames reach their surfaces without crushing the kindling or closing the air gaps.
Watch the fire rather than a timer. The small splits should catch and continue burning before you add larger pieces. Do not wait until all the kindling has burned away.
Dry hardwood can be used from the start when split thinly enough. Large logs are harder to ignite because they need more sustained heat.
4. Refuel and maintain the fire
Add fuel gradually, allowing each addition to catch. Keep air gaps between the logs and stay within the appliance’s loading limits. Adjust the air supply according to the manual once the fire is established; avoid prolonged smouldering.
For stoves and inserts, follow the specified refuelling procedure and keep the door closed during normal operation. Keep an open fireplace screened and never leave a fire unattended.
Let the fire burn down safely. Keep the flue damper open until the fire and embers are completely out. Place removed ashes in a covered metal container outdoors on a non-combustible surface, away from buildings.
Why Kiln-Dried Wood Helps
All of our firewood is kiln-dried and prepared to make starting and maintaining a fire as straightforward as possible.
Dry wood wastes less heat evaporating moisture. Kiln drying is one way to reach a suitable moisture level; properly seasoned wood can also burn well. Actual moisture, split size, airflow and appliance operation determine the result.
Troubleshooting your fire
The kindling burns but the logs do not: try smaller, drier splits and keep the flame in contact with them. Check moisture on a freshly split face.
The fire goes out after adding wood: the load may be too large or tightly packed. Avoid overloading and follow the manual’s air-control guidance.
Smoke enters the room: stop adding fuel. Persistent smoke can indicate a draft, blockage or appliance problem; stop using the fireplace or stove until it has been checked. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave immediately and call emergency services from outside.
Choose wood for your appliance
Explore our wood stove guides and firewood buying guides for more detailed advice.
If you would like to arrange a delivery, tell us about your firewood needs. We will confirm availability and delivery arrangements.
Further reading: EPA’s archived wood-burning guidance.