How to Use Firewood in a Grate

Starting a Fire in a Grate

• 1

  Open the fireplace flue. Put two logs on top of the grate at an angle to each other so that one end is closed like an arrow and the other end is open. Do not lay the logs side by side. The wood needs air to circulate up and under it.

• 2

  Place a third log on top of the logs from step 1, again, at an angle so there is space between the logs.

• 3

  Crumple newspaper and stuff it under the grate, beneath the logs. The tighter the wad of paper, the longer it will burn and you want it to burn long enough for the logs to catch fire. Concentrate the paper into the middle, directly under the logs.

• 4

  Light one match and ignite the edges of the crumpled newspaper from one end of the pile to the other. Gently blow on the burning newspaper to increase the intensity of the flame. Do not get too close to the fire and keep any long hair tied back. Do not blow hard because chunks of burning paper can burst from the grate.

• 5

  Watch for the wood to smoke. This means the fire is starting. Add firewood to the fire regularly to keep it going. Using a poker, push back any embers that pop foreword. Keep the embers together in the middle below the fire. This will keep the fire burning.