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 fireplace experience.
After a long day at work, what could be more pleasant than relaxing in front of a cozy fire? Follow our practical tips to quickly and easily start your fireplace and enjoy it all evening long.
Tip #1: Prepare your fireplace properly
To light a fire quickly,
don’t rush. Start by carrying out the essential checks. Make sure the flue is clean and swept. As a reminder,
chimney sweeping must 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. Wet wood produces a lot of smoke, clogs the flue, and does not burn 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 catch fire quickly but burn for less time, so they are best 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 leave space for air to circulate between the pieces. A pile that is too compact may smother the flame.
By adopting the reverse ignition technique, you reduce smoke emissions and therefore soot build-up in the flue.
Here is a video explaining how to turn on your device:
Tip #4: Light the fire efficiently
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 optimize 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 beautiful, lively flame without excessive smoke indicates that your settings are optimal.
