How to Safely Start a Fire in Your Fireplace: A Step-by-Step Guide from Pro Handy Solutions

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:

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.

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.

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 or paper bag, light it, and hold it near the top of the firebox (toward the damper) for 30–60 seconds minimum. This warms up the chimney and helps establish a strong upward draft.

4. Build Your Fire
Use plenty of dry kindling and a fire starter to get things going, then gradually add seasoned firewood ( your wood should be bellow 20% internal moisture, use a moisture meter to ensure your wood is properly seasoned and be sure to bring the wood to a warm part of the home prior to startting the fire). Avoid overloading the fireplace—start small and build up as needed.

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 40-60 uses. Built-up creosote and soot can become a fire hazard, so regular maintenance is key.