11
cheaper), store it properly to aid in the seasoning pro-
cess. The following steps will assist in the seasoning
process.
A. Stack wood loosely to permit maximum air circu-
lation.
B. Do not stack wood on the ground. Use a wood
rack or stack on scrap lumber. Storage on the ground
will cause rotting and insect infiltration.
C. Cover wood stacks with a tarp so that it is not
excessively exposed to the elements such as snow and
rain.
D. Do not stack wood against the walls of your
home.
5.5 Building a Fire
A. Use a log grate (sold separately) with your fire-
place. This will contribute to good air circulation
around the wood, and keep the wood out of the ash.
This grate is shown in Figure 26.
B. Close windows located near the fireplace when
first lighting a fire to reduce the possibility of smok-
ing. It can be reopened once a draft has been created
through the chimney.
WARNING: NEVER USE GASOLINE,
GASOLINE-TYPE LANTERN
FUEL, KEROSENE, CHARCOAL
LIGHTER FLUID OR SIMILAR
LIQUIDS TO START OR
“FRESHEN UP” A FIRE IN THE
FIREPLACE. KEEP ALL SUCH
LIQUIDS WELL AWAY FROM
THE FIREPLACE WHILE IT IS IN
USE.
C. Do not overload the wood grate with wood. Three
to four logs on the fire at one time are sufficient. Too
much wood on the fire at one time can result in “over
firing,” and too much heat in the firebox, causing
damage to the fireplace.
D. When lighting a fire in a cold chimney, a
downdraft may be created, letting a little smoke into
the room. To correct this, hold a wadded newspaper
in the firebox and light it. This will create an updraft
and clear the flue of cold air.
The following steps are recommended when starting a
fire.
A. Remove any excess ash from the fireplace. Ex-
cessive ash may reduce airflow. Some owners prefer
to leave a small layer to insulate the cold refractory
brick below the grate, helping fire starting.
B. Open and close the damper to ensure it operates
properly. Leave it in the full open position when
starting a fire and while the fire is burning.
C. Center the grate over the bottom hearth of the
firebox.
D. Crumble several newspapers across the fire area
underneath the grate. Criss-cross kindling wood on
top of the grate, above the newspaper.
E. Lay three logs on the grate; two side by side and
the third in pyramid fashion on top. Split logs will
start faster. Ensure there is space between the logs
for air circulation. As the air is heated, it is drawn
upwards through the space between the logs, creating
more combustion.
F. Light the paper at both sides of the firebox.
Caution: The fireplace requires air for operation.
Ensure there is sufficient air so that other
fuel burning appliances are not starved of
combustion, ventilation, and dilution air.
G. Set the screen in front of the firebox to prevent
the escape of sparks and embers.
H. Ensure the fire remains centered in the firebox.
Don’t let it move to the front part. Move it back with
the poker.
I. Add wood to the fire as necessary.
CAUTION: Be extremely careful when adding wood
to the fire. Use proper fireplace tools and
wear gloves. If adding an un-split log, it is
possible that it may want to roll out.
Figure 26. Log Grate
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