Whether roasting marshmallows on the campfire or snuggling up next to your fireplace, you must know how to start a fire. Haphazardly tossing wood in your campfire, fireplace, or fire pit isn’t going to do the job.
Our guide below will teach you how to do the job right every time. The wood you choose, its placement, and other factors are critical in a well-burning fire. That’s where kiln-dried wood shines. Whether alone or with friends, you want a fire that can impress.
The Basics of Fire Building
On the way to the campsite, you buy some side-of-the-road or gas station logs because all logs are the same. (Spoiler alert – not all firewood is created equal!) You’ve finally arrived at your campsite after a long day outdoors, and it’s time to start a fire. Your kids are complaining, and you’re desperately trying to start a fire, but to no avail. We’ve all been there, but learning the basics of fire building will be a game changer for you.
Preparation for Building Your Fire
Before you start building, you need a few things:
- Kiln-dried firewood – a premium hardwood mix is always a reliable choice
- Tinder – small flammable materials to get your fire started (such as pine leaves, newspaper, dryer lint, or dried leaves)
- Kindling – small pieces of wood that ignite quickly and will burn long enough to light the large logs (birch and cedar are great kindling choices)
- Firestarter – matches or a lighter to light your tinder and kindling
Depending on the type of fire you are building, you may need other supplies. We will discuss anything else you may need later.
Getting Started on Your Fire
Regardless of the fire type or location, the fundamentals of fire building are the same:
- Start Small: Begin with a base of kindling and tinder. These smaller, easily ignitable materials provide the spark needed to ignite larger logs.
- Airflow is Key: Fires need oxygen to thrive. Always leave gaps between your firewood to encourage good airflow.
- Build Gradually: Start with smaller pieces of wood and work your way up to larger logs. This ensures a controlled and sustainable burn.
Now, let’s explore how to apply these principles to specific types of fires.
Starting a Campfire
A campfire is the heart of outdoor adventures. It’s where stories are shared, marshmallows are roasted, and memories are made.
- Select Your Spot: Choose a cleared area, ideally with a fire ring or a stone boundary. Research local regulations for outdoor fires. Rangers are often on the lookout in national and state parks.
- Arrange the Base: Place your kindling and tinder in the center of your fire ring (if you have one). There are two popular and effective options for laying your firewood. The first is the teepee method, where you stack 3-5 pieces of kindling in the center in a teepee shape. The second option is the log cabin method. With this method, you lay two logs parallel and stack a second layer perpendicular. You should have 2-4 layers in total – looking like a log cabin.
- Light the Fire: Ignite the kindling and tinder, allowing the flames to spread. Once they catch fire, add larger pieces of kiln-dried wood.
- Maintain and Enjoy: Keep the fire going by adding logs as needed. With kiln-dried firewood, your fire maintenance will be minimal.
Pro Tip:
Kiln-dried wood is handy when making a campfire in a damp area. Its low moisture content makes for reliable ignition even when the weather isn’t ideal.
Starting a Fireplace Fire
Having a fireplace elevates your home – it’s a true luxury. A good fire can make you feel like you’re on vacation at a fancy ski resort.
Making a warm, safe, and smoke-free fire isn’t difficult. The only materials you need are the ones mentioned above.
- Prepare the Fireplace: Open the damper to allow smoke to escape. Remove old ashes to improve airflow.
- Lay the Fire: Arrange a firestarter and kiln-dried kindling on the fireplace grate. You want to use the teepee or log cabin method we told you about.
- Ignite the Fire: Light the firestarter and allow the kindling to ignite. As the fire gets stronger, add larger kiln-dried logs.
- Monitor and Enjoy: Use a fireplace screen for safety, especially if you have children or pets in your home. Keep an eye on your fire and adjust logs as needed to maintain a steady flame.
Pro Tip:
Kiln-dried wood reduces creosote buildup, which is a leading cause of chimney fires. Regular use can even extend the time between chimney cleanings.
Starting a Bonfire
A bonfire is all about big, impressive flames. The best way to ensure success is to build a strong infrastructure and use quality wood.
To start a bonfire, you need the materials mentioned above and either a fire ring or a large open space. You don’t want your fire to accidentally spread outside its designated area.
- Select the Location: Choose an open, level area away from flammable objects or scenery. For example, starting a bonfire near trees or your garden shed is a bad idea. You should always have a clear 10-foot radius around the fire site.
- Build the Structure: Arrange large kiln-dried logs in a teepee or log cabin structure. You want to leave space in the center for a firestarter and smaller pieces of wood.
- Ignite the Fire: Light the firestarter at the base. Gradually add logs to control the size of the flames—we don’t want anyone losing an eyebrow.
- Supervise and Have a Good Time: Always keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby. Bonfires can get a bit wild, and safety isn’t always at the forefront of anyone’s mind. Assign a friend or family member to watch the fire for safety.
Pro Tip:
Kiln-dried wood’s high heat and efficiency make it ideal for large fires. It burns consistently without needing constant attention or as many logs.
Starting a Firepit Fire
Firepits take your backyard or deck to a whole new level. If you love campfire and want to bring it home, a firepit is the way to go. The only materials you need are the ones listed above.
- Prepare the Firepit: Remove old ashes and debris.
- Build the Fire: Arrange your firestarter and kiln-dried kindling. Like other fires, you want to stick with a teepee or log cabin structure.
- Light the Fire: Ignite the firestarter and add medium logs as the fire grows steadier.
- Add and Adjust: Add logs to maintain the desired flame size.
Pro Tip:
Kiln-dried wood burns clean. That’s why it’s a perfect choice for firepits, where smoke can quickly ruin the mood.
How to Safely Extinguish a Fire
Fire safety is a top priority whether the fire is in your home or outside. Never leave your fire to die out on its own – that’s a fire hazard. You can quickly and safely extinguish your indoor or outdoor fires by doing the following:
- Spread Out the Coals: Use a poker or stick to spread out the coals and embers.
- Douse with Water: Pour water over the fire, ensuring every ember is soaked.
- Stir the Ashes: Mix the ashes with water to reach any hidden embers.
- Check for Heat: Hold your hand close to the ashes. If you feel heat, continue adding water until it’s completely cool.
Why Kiln-Dried Wood is the Key to a Perfect Fire
We’ve mentioned it before, but let’s talk about why kiln-dried wood should always be your go-to choice. At Lumberjacks, we are so confident that kiln-dried wood is superior; that’s all we sell. Our clients deserve only the best product: kiln-dried wood. But what makes kiln-dried wood so great? Let’s dive in:
Low Moisture Content
Kiln-dried wood is dried in a kiln to achieve a less than 20% moisture level. This ensures it lights easily and burns consistently. The wood you see on the side of the road or at the convenience store is often green or seasoned wood. These contain much higher moisture levels. That means they are harder to ignite, prone to producing excessive smoke, and don’t burn for long.
Cleaner Burn
Say goodbye to billowing smoke and dangerous sparks. Kiln-dried wood burns hotter and cleaner, which means less smoke while your fire is burning, less ash, and minimal creosote left behind.
Efficient
Because kiln-dried logs burn hotter, you’ll use fewer logs. While cheap wood can be tempting when you’re going through logs every few minutes, it’s not a win. Kiln-dried firewood gives you a good return on investment.
Pest-Free
Kiln-drying eliminates pests, fungi, and mold. With kiln-dried logs, you can safely burn and store them indoors or outdoors without worry.
Ready to Step Up Your Fire-Building Game?
Trust Lumberjacks for high-quality kiln-dried wood that delivers every time. Call us or visit us in Woodstock or Lake in the Hills to place your order. We also deliver throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. We can’t wait to provide you with only the best quality firewood.
