Building a Long Lasting Fire

From generation to generation, the fire in the hearth is one of the few things passed on from primitive man to modern man. In every age of architecture, the fireplace, or stove has been evident. Even the school of modern architecture, with all its insistence on functionalism, has been unable to preclude the beautiful, but considered nonfunctional, fireplace from its functional, sterile homes.

The fireplace provides warmth to all, the room, the conversation and the people within. However, all too often we have many fireplaces, but all too few fires burning, probably due to the fact that the art of building a long lasting fire without constant and bothersome attention has been lost.

Most people begin with no ash in the fireplace and proceed to build a fire with paper and dry kindling wood laid directly on top of the andirons. This explodes into a large, frightening blaze. As soon as this blaze dies down enough to allow someone to get close without being burned, larger logs are thrown on top and another large, uncontrollable blaze begins which also quickly dies out.

All of this results in a fire constantly needing attention, being either too hot or too cold, too large or too small. It can also result in a scorched mantle, or a second blaze up in the chimney flue. All of these problems are the result of too much draft due to the improper use of the andirons. The andirons should not be thought of as a grate, but simply as uprights to prevent the logs from possibly rolling out of the fireplace.

To build a fire properly, producing good, steady heat with a small blaze and minimum use of wood, the entire base of the fireplace should be covered with a bed of ashes about one or two inches above the andiron legs. If ashes are not available, sand may also be used.

The best firewood is hardwood, such as oak, maple, cherry or birch. Do not use pine, or other evergreen wood, as it contains too much sap, which coats the flue and is the primary cause of chimney fires. Firewood should be cut, split and aged, or cured for at least six months. Fresh cut, or green wood will not burn properly.

Next, place a large log, called the back log, approximately eight to twelve inches in diameter, against the brick back of the fireplace. Then lay a slightly smaller log on top of the back log. Another log, six to eight inches in diameter, called the front log, is placed in the front of the fireplace, just behind the andirons.

It is essential that these logs are well bedded in the ash base. This prevents excessive drafts and prevents the bottom of the logs from burning. The desired effect is for only the log tops and faces to burn.

Paper and kindling are placed in the middle space between the back and front logs, gradually building the blaze with four and six inch logs. As the front and back logs slowly burn through, they can be rolled into the middle of the blaze, being replaced with new front and back logs, also embedded into the ash.

This method results in a moderately burning blaze with a hot, blue flame and red hot coals. The face of the back log burns red hot, reflects the heat back into the room and keeps the fireplace bricks from burning. The front log holds the fire in and prevents air from passing under the fire, which creates too much blaze.

The size of a fireplace blaze built in this manner can now be easily controlled. To dampen, or lessen the blaze, a shovel or two of ash can be poured over the blaze. To increase the blaze, simply add a few more small logs or kindling to the middle. When retiring for the evening, cover all the blaze with ashes from the side of the fireplace. This will hold all night and when uncovered the next day, or even the next evening, a good bed of red hot coals will be found upon which a new fire can be laid. This is how heat and fire were maintained from day to day in Colonial homes, where such fires were the only source of heat.

Finally, for worry-free enjoyment of your fireplace, always place a sturdy metal fire screen in front of your fireplace to prevent to occasional popping ember from flying into the room and to keep children of any age out of harm's way. If confronted by your neighboring environmental zealot, remember, firewood is a renewable source of energy...