How to Safely Start a Fire in Your Fireplace: A Step-by-Step Guide from Pro Handy Solutions
- By Daniel Nahman
- July 29, 2025
Contents
At Pro Handy Solutions, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you start a cozy fire in your fireplace the right way:
Step 1. Open the Damper
Before anything else, make sure the damper is fully open. This allows smoke to travel up the chimney instead of into your home. ( always visually, check to make sure that it’s open properly)
Step 2. Allow for Airflow
Open a nearby window slightly or make sure your fireplace’s air intake vent is open. This provides fresh oxygen, which helps the fire burn cleaner and more efficiently.
Step 3. Prime the Flue
To prevent cold air from pushing smoke back into your room, “prime” the flue. Roll up a long piece of newspaper, light it, and hold it near the top of the firebox (toward the damper) for 30–60 seconds. This warms up the chimney and helps establish a strong upward draft.
Step 4: Build Your Fire
Use plenty of dry kindling and a fire starter to get things going, then gradually add seasoned firewood. Avoid overloading the fireplace—start small and build up as needed.
Step 5: After the Fire
Once the fire has completely burned out and cooled (usually by the next day), close the damper to prevent heat loss from your home. You can also clean out the ashes at this point, leaving behind a thin layer which can actually help the next fire burn better.
Important Reminder:
To keep your fireplace functioning safely and efficiently, it should be professionally cleaned approximately every 50 uses. Built-up creosote and soot can become a fire hazard, so regular maintenance is key.
Let us know if you have any questions or if your fireplace is due for a cleaning or inspection—we’re here to help!
(647)325-6554
Serving your home with care and expertise.
Daniel Nahman
Daniel is the CEO of Pro Handy Solutions. He is providing Professional Chimney and Dryer Vent Cleaning services in GTA for over 5 years.
Chimney Cleaning & Repair Services Across the GTA
Pro Handy Solutions proudly serves homeowners and businesses across the Greater Toronto Area with expert chimney cleaning and repair services. Our team is dedicated to ensuring safety and efficiency in communities throughout the region, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and Markham. Whether you’re in the heart of downtown Toronto or the suburban neighborhoods of Richmond Hill, you can rely on us for professional, high-quality service. No matter where you are in the GTA, Pro Handy Solutions is here to keep your chimney in top condition.