How to Start a Fire in Your Fireplace: A 5-Step Guide for Homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area
- By Daniel Nahman
- April 10, 2025
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A warm, crackling fire can completely transform the atmosphere of your home during Ontario’s colder months. But before you light that match, it’s important to know how to properly set up your fireplace for a safe and efficient burn.
At Pro Handy Solutions, we’ve helped countless homeowners across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) maximize the performance and safety of their fireplaces. This guide walks you through our trusted five-step process to help you start a fire the right way—whether you’re in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, or anywhere in the GTA.
Step 1: Ensure Proper Air Intake
The first step in building a great fire is ensuring you have sufficient airflow.
At the base of some fireplaces, particularly newer models found in homes around the GTA, you may find a small air intake flap. This flap brings fresh outdoor air into the firebox—an important factor in achieving a clean, steady burn.
Without proper air intake, your home can experience negative air pressure, especially when appliances like exhaust fans or furnaces are running. This can cause cold air to push down through the chimney and make fire-starting more difficult.
To combat this, simply open the air intake flap. If your fireplace doesn’t have one, a great alternative is to open a nearby window slightly while starting the fire. This helps balance air pressure and supports a better draft.
Step 2: Open the Damper
Next, you’ll need to check and open your damper, which allows smoke and gases to exit safely through the chimney.
Locate the damper handle, which usually features a series of notches. Lift it gently toward the front of the fireplace and push it into the open position, ensuring it’s resting on the final groove. This confirms that your chimney is open.
We frequently see homeowners across North York, Vaughan, and Scarborough forget this crucial step—resulting in smoke inside the home. Always double-check before lighting your fire.
Step 3: Prime the Flue
Priming the flue is especially important in cold-weather regions like the Greater Toronto Area.
To do this, take a long piece of newspaper, roll it up tightly like a cigar, light one end, and hold it up near the top of the firebox, close to the flue opening. This process warms up the cold air inside the chimney, encouraging hot air (and smoke) to rise more easily once your fire is lit.
A properly primed flue creates the right draft and reduces the risk of smoke backing into your home.
Step 4: Use the Right Fuel and Fire Starters
Once the flu is ready, it’s time to focus on fuel.
We always recommend using seasoned hardwood, ideally with an internal moisture content between 8% and 15%. Wood with too much moisture will burn inefficiently, produce excessive smoke, and won’t reach optimal temperatures.
If you’re unsure about your firewood, pick up a moisture meter—they’re affordable and widely available at hardware stores throughout the GTA.
Additionally, be sure to have a generous supply of kindling and fire starters. These smaller pieces help generate heat quickly, which warms up your cold chimney tiles and encourages a stronger draft.
Step 5: After the Fire – Proper Shutdown and Cleanup
After you’ve enjoyed your fire, and once it has completely cooled down, follow these steps to safely shut things down:
- Close the air intake flap
- Close the damper
- Scoop out ashes and any unburned wood
This helps maintain air quality in your home and prepares your fireplace for the next use.
Regular maintenance not only improves your fireplace’s performance—it also enhances safety. If you’re unsure how to maintain or inspect your system, that’s where we come in.
Fireplace Safety Tips for GTA Homeowners
To ensure long-term performance and safety, keep the following tips in mind:
- Store firewood in a dry, sheltered area
- Never burn wood that is unseasoned or wet
- Install carbon monoxide detectors near your fireplace
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Schedule annual chimney inspections and cleanings
These practices are particularly important in older homes across Toronto and surrounding communities, where chimney systems may not have been updated recently.
Looking for Professional Fireplace Help in the GTA?
If you need assistance with your fireplace—whether it’s inspection, repair, or setup—Pro Handy Solutions is here to help. We proudly serve homeowners across the Greater Toronto Area, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and beyond.
Our team offers expert fireplace services, chimney inspections, and full handyman support for all your home maintenance needs. We’re committed to providing high-quality, reliable service with a local touch.
Visit prohandysolutions.ca or contact us today to book your service or request a quote.
Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy your fireplace season.
From your trusted team at Pro Handy Solutions – Serving the Greater Toronto Area with pride.
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.