How to Burn Newspapers in Fireplaces

Soak newspapers in water to remove the clay from the papers and make them burn longer.

Pull the newspapers out of the water and roll them tightly together. Keep them as tight as possible. The tighter it is the longer it will burn. Commercial newspaper log rollers are available if you plan on rolling logs regularly.

Add another newspaper when you are halfway finished the first paper. Continue adding a paper at the halfway point until you are out of papers or have reached the desired size -- about 4 to 6 inches wide.

Tie the newspaper log with ordinary, uncoated string and stand it on its end to dry. If the paper is dry to the touch but slightly damp on the inside they will burn slowly, according to the website House Renovation Tips. Logs dry best in a location where they will be out of the way, like the attic. The location should also be some place arid with air circulation so they don't form mold.

Wedge the newspaper log in with wood logs to burn. Use about half newspaper and half wood logs for the best burn.