8
C. Do not overload the wood grate with wood.
Three to four logs on the fire at one time are suf-
ficient. 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 start-
ing a fire.
A. Remove any excess ash from the fireplace.
Excessive ash may reduce airflow. Some owners
prefer to leave a small layer to insulate the cold
refractory brick below the grate, helping fire start-
ing.
B. Open and close the damper to make sure it
operates properly. Leave it in the full open posi-
tion when starting a fire and while the fire is burn-
ing.
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. Make sure 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.
G. Set the screen in front of the firebox to pre-
vent the escape of sparks and embers.
H. Make sure the fire remains centered in the
firebox. Don’t let it move to the front part. Move
it back with the poker.
I. If glass doors are installed, leave them in the
open position while burning a fire.
J. 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.
6.0 Cleaning, Inspection and
Maintenance
As is the case with most other equipment, cleanli-
ness is the best maintenance practice and will con-
tribute to many hours of warmth and pleasure.
When wood burns slowly, it produces tar and other
organic vapors. Combined with moisture, creosote
is formed and the vapors condense in the cooler
chimney flue. As a result, creosote residue accumu-
lates on the flue lining. When ignited, this creosote
makes an extremely hot fire. The chimney shall be
inspected at least twice a year during the heating
season to determine when a creosote buildup has
occurred
A. Do not let ash build up in the firebox. Re-
move it at least after every other fire. Ashes
should be placed in a metal container with a tight-
fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should
be placed on a noncombustible floor or on the
ground, well away from all combustible materials,
pending final disposal. If the ashes are disposed
of by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed,
they should be retained in the closed container
until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.
B. The grate may be removed from the firebox
for cleaning. However, make sure it is returned
prior to laying the next fire.
C. Keep the fireplace screen clean so air flows
freely through it.
D. Spot check the refractory bricks and mortar
for small cracks. It will expand slightly with the
heat, then contract as it cools. Replace refractory
bricks when the cracks open more than ¼”; or
when pits become extensive and deeper than
3/16”; or when any piece of refractory larger than
2 inches in diameter becomes dislodged.
E. If creosote has accumulated, it should be re-
moved to reduce the risk of a chimney fire. Clean
the chimney as outlined below or have the chim-
ney cleaned by a professional chimney sweep.
WARNING: Do not use chemical chimney
cleaners that are poured on a hot
fire. The chemical cleaner can be
