Think small when it comes to starting a fire. First be sure that your chimney is ready for a fire. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually. Once you have determined that you can safely burn a fire, you will need to prepare the fireplace. Make sure that your damper is completely open.
Pick small pieces of wood and make sure that the wood is not over flowing your fireplace grate. This will ensure that you have enough room between the fireplace and the grate on all sides.
Listen carefully. Sizzling is a sign that the wood that you are burning still has water. This will cause extra smoke that can enter into your living room area.
Pick out proper wood for burning fires. Make sure that your wood meets the following criteria:
- Seasoned Firewood (Excess Moisture Takes Energy Out of a Fire)
- Proper size (Pieces Must Not be Oversized or Hanging Out of Your Fireplace)
- Pieces may need to be cut to fit properly