How to Light a Log Fire

Lighting a log fire

Lighting a log fire is simple (when you know how!) We've put together a quick guide, and supporting video, to show you how to create the perfect fire. The key is to build a small combustion chamber to ignite the fire, which you can quickly build up to a high temperature.

• Taking a clean fire grate, put two firelighters against the back wall of the appliance in a V shape.
• To make a combustion chamber around the firelighters, put 1 piece of kindling against the appliance's back wall. You should then place 4 or 5 more pieces of kindling against this first piece. Be careful to leave enough space so that you can reach the firelights to ignite.
• Light the firelighters and watch patiently as the kindling begins to burn.
• Now is the time to add your logs. Add one log flat on the grate at the front, one log leaning over the kindling on either side and finally one on top.
• If using a closed appliance such as a stove, leave the door slightly ajar to allow sufficient air flow and once the fire has taken hold, close the appliance door and fully open the air vents.

Simple, straight forward and extremely satisfying. You can now sit back and enjoy the lovely heat and aroma of an authentic log fire.