Firelighting - The Secret Recipe for a Perfect Fire with Firewood

Logs in a Log Burner

Starting a fire can sometimes be challenging, and there are several ways to do it successfully. Having dry wood, good airflow, and a steady source of heat is essential.

A fire can be lit using either the bottom-up or top-down method. However, the top-down approach is often preferred because it produces a cleaner burn with less soot and ash.

With this method, the fire burns downward. The kindling at the top ignites first, gradually heating the larger logs beneath it. This helps reduce smoke and creosote buildup while allowing the fire to develop a strong and steady burn.

Lighting a fire this way also improves airflow and maintains a consistent flame. As a result, the larger logs at the bottom ignite more gradually, allowing them to burn more slowly and evenly.

What You'll Need

• A small handful of our Blaze Wood Wool Firelighters

• A handful of Kindling from our Kindling Nets

• 2-3 Logs from our Kiln Dried Firewood Range

• Our Extra Long Matches

Blaze Wood Wool Firelighters

Kindling Net

Box of Extra Long

Matches

Method

1.      Clear the grate of old ash and ensure air vents are open - This lets air flow freely, helping your fire light quickly and burn efficiently.

2.      Place a few logs on the bottom of your fireplace or log burner - Larger logs form a stable base and provide long-lasting heat.

3.      Add a layer of kindling on top in crisscross pattern - The crisscross structure improves airflow, allowing flames to spread evenly.

4.      Place a couple of firelighters on top of the kindling then light - Firelighters ignite easily, helping your kindling and logs catch safely and quickly.

Get the Fire Going

If you have a log burner and the draught is insufficient, open the door slightly until the fire is burning properly. The key thing to any successful fire is good air movement so keep the airflow gradual. A fire needs oxygen to burn, if starved of air it will simply smoulder and burn out. Once the fire is established do not overfill with logs, just add a few at a time to maintain adequate heat and a consistent room temperature.

Nets

Crates

Bulk Bags

The Perfect Fire Starts with Our Quality Firewood

Keep your fire burning brighter and longer with our premium kiln-dried firewood, Ready to Burn approved for a cleaner, more efficient burn. Available in nets, crates, or bulk bags, our firewood is perfect for cosy evenings at home. With FREE* nationwide delivery, it’s easy to stock up and never run out of high-quality fuel for your fire.

Common Fire-Building Mistakes

Lighting a fire might seem easy, but a few mistakes can make it smoky, frustrating, or unsafe.

• Avoid these common pitfalls: wet or green wood smoulders and smokes; adding big logs too soon can smother flames; not clearing old ash or keeping vents open restricts airflow.

• Quick safety tips: never leave your stove unattended with the door open, have your chimney swept regularly, don’t burn rubbish or cardboard, use a carbon monoxide alarm, and always handle hot stoves with heat-proof gloves.

Firewood & Firelighting Box

20KG Firewood Box

Briquette Sample Box

Looking to keep your fire burning brighter for longer?

Keep your fire burning longer with our premium firewood and long-lasting briquettes, delivered straight to your door. Perfect for cosy nights and efficient heating, our bundles make staying stocked up easy. Not sure which briquette is right for your fire? Try our briquette sample box to find your perfect match.