How To Build A Fire

Curling up by a fire is a winter tradition, but building one correctly can be tricky. Fire-building techniques vary slightly, but most agree on the basic ingredients needed and how to stack them.

To build a proper fire, collect the following:

• Newspaper

• Kindling (small dried-out twigs or thin sticks of wood)

• Small logs

• Large fuel logs

When using a fireplace, first make sure an expert has determined the chimney is clean and safe to use. Next, check that the damper, a small flap that is used to control the air flow through the flue, is open. If it is closed, smoke from the fire will billow out and fill the room.

Then, stack the ingredients in a conical shape on top of a fire grate, starting with the kindling, followed by the small logs, and finally the larger fuel logs, which rest on top. Lastly, tear the newspaper into thin strips and lightly crumple together. Place the newspaper underneath the grate and light it with a match. Sit back and enjoy.