Helpful Guidelines for Making a Fire

Please note that our wood is not soaked or treated with kerosene or fire-starting materials.  Although our wood is seasoned, it will require starter material such as kindling, store bought starter sticks, newspaper, or other starter materials to get a fire burning consistently.  It may be a good idea to store your wood in a dry location, or keep it covered with a tarp.

1.     Make sure that the Flue is open

2.     Clean out all old ashes from the fireplace.

3.     Place about 5 sheets of crumpled, twisted newspaper underneath the fireplace grate.

4.     Place Kindling or starter material on top of the grate (examples of kindling include twigs, store-bought starter sticks or logs, cardboard, or bark).

5.     Place 1 small log across the front of the grate. (This will create airflow under the grate and prevent other logs from falling out.)

6.     Place 3 small-med. Size logs diagonally across the grate, inside of the front log.

7.     Place 2-3 logs parallel with the front log, on top of the diagonal logs.  Note: some fireplaces vary in size, so the amount of wood will vary.  The idea is to create a "pyramid", where air can flow through the logs.  If you are making a very small fire, try using two logs on the bottom, with 1-2 logs stacked on top, crossing directions with the bottom logs.

8.     Start fire by lighting the newspaper underneath the wood using long matches.

9.     Continue to add crumpled, twisted newspaper under the grate until the fire catches.  Some stores may recommend starter liquid that you can squirt on the wood. (NEVER use Gasoline) *Note: Wood that is wet from snow or ice may sizzle until it fully catches in flames.

10.    Be sure to always cover the fireplace opening with a fireplace screen while the fire is burning.

11.    Never leave a fire unattended!

Disclaimer: These instructions are guidelines only and may not always be appropriate.  Sullivan Yard Service is not responsible for any damages resulting from using these guidelines, or from use of our firewood.  Please always use caution when using firewood.