How to create a long-lasting log or coal fire

Edited by the Interiorstalk editorial team Jan 11, 2010

Paul Chesney, fireplace and wood-burning-stove specialist and managing director of Chesney's Fireplaces, gives a step-by-step account of how to build a long-lasting log or coal fire.

First, he claims, place several fire lighters on the base of the grate.

Depending on how strongly the chimney is drawing, the fire will need to be stoked and further fuel added to maintain a consistent heat, according to Paul Chesney.

An alternative to traditional petroleum lighters and much more environmentally friendly are natural firelighters made from compacted wood shavings dipped in untreated wax.

Second, twist and tie several separate sheets of newspaper and place these over the lighters.

Then arrange a layer of small pieces of dry kindling wood over the newspaper.

Next, finish the fire with a layer of coal or several logs on top of the kindling.

Lastly, light the paper and lighters around the outer edges of the base of the fire.

Depending on how strongly the chimney is drawing, the fire - once established - will need to be stoked and further fuel added to maintain a consistent heat.

A coal fire will generally need much less tending than a log fire as the fuel is consumed more slowly, according to Chesney.