I often get calls on how to build a fire. The most common complaint is that the fire gets going but the kindling burns out and the logs don’t catch. Here are some tips (my picture shows a fire that will not start – no kindling);

-Start with several loosly balled up newspaper sheets. 8 or 10 will do it.

-Next, put on some finely split dry kindling or fatwood.

-Next, some larger dry kindling. Kinld dried lumber scraps are great. Cut up pallets are awesome. Do not use treated lumber as this gives off a poisonous smoke and is bad for the environment. Use PLENTY of kindling.

-Next put on a couple of small splits of firewood. Rounds take a long time to catch on fire and will only burn in a hot fire. Save rounds for later when the fire is roaring.

-Light your newspaper and the rest will catch up. If you used enough kindling, your small splits will catch fire before it burns out. If it fails, add more kindling and tryn it again. You can also use firelogs as a firestarter, They burn for about 30 minutes; long enough to catch the small splits.