Starting a wood fire in a Wood Stove

Starting a fire in a wood stove can be challenging. If you are having trouble starting a fire in a wood stove, here are a few tips to make this task a little easier.

One of the easiest ways to start a fire in a wood stove is to build a pyramid. Get some old newspapers and twist it. Lay a few crisscross and teepee the others. This is going to be your base of the pyramid.

Now you want to get some “Fatwood” or small dry twigs (kindling). Stand the “Fatwood” or twigs upright (teepee style) and lay them against the twisted newspaper.

Fully open the flu (Damper) in your wood stove. This will create an airflow that will help fuel the fire once it has been lit. Light the base of the pyramid and close the door leaving the door open just a crack. This will add to the airflow and fuel your fire.

Now that your mini pyramid of flames is going, add* some medium sized pieces of “Seasoned”** Oak or Almond wood, nothing larger than six inches in diameter. Slowly add larger pieces of “Seasoned” wood making a larger pyramid. Be careful not to smother your fire. Before you know it, you will have built a successful fire in your wood stove.

After you have good fire going with lots of hot coals, add bigger pieces of chopped firewood. Now you should close the flu (Damper). This will give you a nice slow burning fire and it will keep your wood from burning up too fast.

*Best to Criss Cross until good fire is going to allow “Maximum” air under the logs.

**Seasoned wood is “light”. If you pick up 2 pieces of wood, one is light the other is heavy, the light piece is the “Seasoned” piece. Burning unseasoned wood will build up creosote in your air tubes and/or catalytic of the stove and your chimney flue.

Please follow Manufacturers Manual instructions in regards to what to BURN and what NOT to BURN in your wood stove.

“Fatwood” is available for purchase at our store it is $2.25/lb.

Happy Burning!!!!!!!!