Corn Fireplace

Any suggestions how to start my fireplace that is neither gas or electric?

We just bought a house and the fireplace is neither gas or electric. Do I just put wood in the fireplace and open the damper. This is the first house I ever owned with a fireplace. We live in Southern California and it only gets cold in the winter. But I just want to prepare myself. Don't want to burn the house down or smoke the house if you get my drift. Any suggestions how to start my fireplace that is neither gas or electric?

Public Comments

1. You would build a fire there just like anywhere else (ie: campfire). Start with rolled up paper or twigs and light that, when it's burning add medium sized pieces of wood, when that is burning well add a big log or two. The lighter stuff will burn up leaving the big logs smoldering for awhile. Make sure your damper is open when you do this! Also close your damper in the warmer months so that you don't leak a lot of air conditioned air to the outside.
2. if it is on an outside wall? i would just burn some paper then add sticks then a log......usually tthere is an iron rack type of thing that the wood lays on to get it off the ground (BETTER BURNING FIRE) if there is no screen to prevent sparks from flying out of fire area.DONT WALK away from it
3. If your unfamiliar with the fire place (venting system) have it inspected. Different states and provinces have their own local rules on "wood burners". An inspection will put your mind at ease and your inspector will show you first hand how to use it.
4. A match? Should be sites online to tell you how to bundle paper and kindling, then bigger pieces, to get a good fire. Or just ask a boy scout. For romance [not heat] buy a self contained burning log ( Duraflame, etc.) place on grate for air circulation, and light one end as instructed. Duraflame also makes small ones labeled as fire starters for ease of getting a fire going. Other advice about chimney inspection is very good, too.
5. I choose electric.