How to Start a Fire in the Fireplace

Follow These Steps:

  1. Open the airflow damper fully.
    • Living room fireplace: Slide the lever to the right (below the chamber).
    • Bedroom fireplace: Pull the lever out fully.
  2. Build a Log Cabin Fire
  3. Close and latch the chamber door.
  4. Be patient.
    • Let the large logs catch on their own.
  5. Once the fire is going strong,
    • Set the damper back to 50% for a slower, longer burn.
    • You can go as low as 30%
  6. Just before the logs have burned down to coals,
    • Add two logs at a time only.

A Few Tips

  • Don’t overload the fireplace — less is more.
  • You don’t need big flames for great heat.
  • Burn wood slowly and sparingly — it’s a limited resource.

Things to Avoid

  • Overloading the chamber with wood.
  • Leaving the door open. 
  • Completely closing the damper.

Safety Tips

  • Keep the door closed. Open fires are a fire hazard.
  • Do not touch the hot fireplace.
  • Use the protective glove when opening the chamber.

The Log Cabin Fire

The best way to start a fire in a wood-burning fireplace is by building a “log cabin fire.”  This method allows the flames from the fire starter to burn up through the center, rapidly heating your flue pipe to create a natural draw as soon as possible, reducing the possibility of smoke ingress into the room.

Step 1 

Lay The Base

Place two medium-sized logs parallel to each other with a small gap between them. Slip a firelighter between these two base logs — this helps the flames rise directly through the center and start heating the flute immediately.

Step 2 

Build The “Cabin”

Lay two smaller logs across the base to form a square shape with an open center.
Continue stacking 2–3 layers in this crisscross pattern, always keeping the middle open for airflow.

Step 3

Add Some Kindling

Loosely place small pieces of kindling over and around the center opening. Avoid packing it too tightly — airflow is key. If you don’t have kindling, just skip this step.

Step 4 

Light The Fire

Light the firelighter at the base. As the kindling catches, flames will rise through the open center and begin warming the flute for a stronger draft, while setting the larger wood on fire.