What is the best method for lighting a fire

[GBI]

Hi there.

We have recently had an open fire put in.

Can anyone tell me the best way to start a fire and keep it going (initial efforts have been pretty poor!)

Thanks in advance.

GBI

[logman]

I dont know if its logs or coal you want to burn, the best logs for burning are beech, oak, ash and any of the fruit woods- apple, pair cherry, conifer wood is dangerous as it can spit and soot up your chimney and even set it on fire, poplar wood is hard to light, amonition boxes were once made of it.

What ever the case, some kindling wood is always usefull, you can feather it with a knife or small hatchet to help it catch better. fanning it should help and make sure you have plenty of air under neith, twists of news paper are also a help Best of Luck

[Poglet]

you GBI, we had our last fire last nite as we have run out of wood! my other half is superb at lightin a fire, I can't! He uses scrunched up newspaper (the SUN!), a couple of firelighters, kindling and then lights it. Once the kindling has caught but hasn't burnt too much, add either a little coal or wood, not too much tho until it has all "caught".. Good luck, enjoy and don't forget the toast and marshmallows....

[Toureman]

Hi, try this

http://home.clara.net/steve.thackery/stoves/fossil.htm

Instead of using a big sheet of paper as this site says you can buy a steel plate with a handle on it and use it to block off the fire place opening, this creates a very stong draught of air which never fails to light the fire!

[qapmoc]

Napalm is pretty good for this purpose, the American's in Nam found that you can burn complete trees with no problem.
Failing which your local camping shop will have all kinds of stuff for starting fires and also anywhere which sells barbicue stuff. after you get it started using some kind of fan to give it extra air also helps as well.