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Light your fireplace easily in five steps

SOMMAIRE
1 Tip #1: Prepare your chimney properly
2 Tip #2: Choose the right wood
3 Tip #3: Arrange the wood correctly using the reverse lighting technique.
4 Tip #4: Light the fire efficiently
5 Tip #5: Keep the flame alive

From preparing and choosing the wood to maintaining the flame, the experts at SEGUIN offer their advice on how to light a fire quickly and enjoy a successful open fire.

After a long day at work, what could be more pleasant than relaxing in front of a roaring fire? Follow our practical advice to light your open fire quickly and easily and enjoy it all evening long.

Allumer un feu

Tip #1: Prepare your chimney properly

To light a fire quickly, don't rush. Start by carrying out the necessary checks. Make sure the flue is clean and swept. As a reminder, chimney sweeping should be carried out once or twice a year by a professional, for safety and performance reasons.

Also remove any ashes from previous fires, as these will slow down combustion. Finally, open the air vents on the fireplace to help the fire start.

Tip #2: Choose the right wood

The choice of wood is crucial for successful lighting. Use dry wood that has been seasoned for about two years and is well split. Damp wood produces a lot of smoke, clogs the flue and does not heat very well.

Certain types of wood are particularly suitable: oak, beech and ash burn slowly and give off a lot of heat.

Softwoods such as pine and fir ignite quickly but burn for less time, so they should be reserved for lighting the fire.

Tip #3: Arrange the wood correctly using the reverse lighting technique.

The reverse lighting technique is particularly effective. It involves placing two or three large logs at the bottom, then medium-sized wood and finally small wood or wood chips on top. Light from the top: the fire will gradually descend, with less smoke and more even combustion.


Also make sure to allow air to circulate between the pieces. A pile that is too compact may smother the flame.


By using the reverse lighting technique, you reduce smoke emissions and therefore soot build-up in the flue.


Here is a video explaining how to light your appliance:

Tip #4: Light the fire efficiently

fire in a wood stove

To make lighting easier, use natural kindling or a plant-based firelighter. Avoid glossy or heavily inked newspapers, which release harmful substances.


If your appliance has a door, leave it slightly open at first.


Also remember to adjust the air vent to ensure a sufficient supply of oxygen. Then close the vent and door once the fire is well established.

Tip #5: Keep the flame alive

Once the fire is lit, gradually add logs, starting with medium-sized ones and then larger ones. Be careful not to smother the flames or add more wood to the bed of embers.


Regulate the air supply to optimise combustion. If there is too much air, the wood will burn too quickly. Conversely, if there is not enough air, it will produce too much smoke and dirty the glass and the flue. A nice, lively flame without excessive smoke indicates that your settings are optimal.

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