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Daily random thread: almost almost the weekend edition (June 15, 2023)
(sh.itjust.works)
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this post was submitted on 14 Jun 2023
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Think I'm finally getting the hang of keeping the fire going so I don't have to sit over it and feed it. Mind you I have had to dash over and madly stoke it with paper a couple of times.
My method is to use some fire starters (Samba natural are the best IMO), loads of kindling and a few pieces of firewood on top. Start it and leave it. Once the flames go down and the firewood catches it needs little attention. Once the firewood breaks down to embers, put another log in choke out the fire a bit (assuming it's a closed fireplace).
I find paper doesn't do much and can smother the flames if you put too much in.
No, one of those little open ones you got in the '40s houses. Edit: I've found most of the tips and whatnot I've read or seen on YouTube don't work with this one so it's a matter of trial and error. And I have alot of paperwork to get rid of anyway...
Ah bugger. I'm not too familiar with open ones. I just know they chew through wood pretty quickly.
Is it one of those cast iron ones? If so, try putting the kindling/wood in vertically - like leaning against the back at the top and the front of the grate at the bottom. This enables a lot of airflow and keeps the flames going. There is a risk that the unburned bits at the top of each stick will fall out of the fireplace, so use a fireguard if you have one. Like this
No this is it:
Edit: Bugger, don't know why it's turned on its side... anyway it gives you an idea.
You've got a nice hot fire going there. Only thing I would say, given the size & shape, is to give it a good cleaning next time the fire is out and cold. By that I mean, sweeping out all the ashes (returning any cinders the size of a golf ball or larger), and reaching up behind the front at the top to clean off the ledge that WILL be there. And by clean I mean scrape the ledge out and then brush it clean with your trusty dustpan and brush. It's a dirty job but has to be done at least once a year or you risk having the chimney catch fire and burn the house down. Wear gloves, a mask and clothes that are going to go straight into the wash after. Also a dust sheet around the fireplace is a very good idea.
You can get a chimney sweep to do that bit for you if you want but it will cost. Also check the opening to the chimney and see if it's crusty. If so, then you really do need a sweep to come and fix it all up.
A clean fireplace really does work better - and doesn't put as much carbon dioxide into the room. Or other carcinogenic nasties. OK, ted talk over.
God I love lighting a fire. Sitting by it and watching it burn. One of life’s simple pleasures!