Enjoy That Delightful Fireplace Fire

For many people, a fireplace is a source of warmth, but there are some who like to have one for its decorative value. However, a fireplace hearth with an open flame may prove to be the most attractive feature of a fireplace, whether it is a wood burning fireplace, a gas log heater or an electric fireplace heater. A fireplace fire has its distinct appeal matched by the sound of crackling logs. This is why many people prefer a wood fire, wherein real logs are lit and burnt. However, before you can enjoy your wood fireplace, you need to make some important preparations.
 
You would need your chimneys inspected and cleaned regularly so that your wood fires will not cause you any discomfort as smoke may not vent outwards properly. You need to get rid of the accumulated creosote, which is flammable, causing danger to your and your family members. Make sure you check to have the damper open. Usually a “throat damper’ can be found at the base of your chimney and can be opened by pulling a chain or moving a lever. Some people also have a “top damper” located at the top of your chimney and can be opened by tugging at a cord. You would need the right fireplace tools to do the job especially a vacuum to suck in all the ashes in your fireplace hearth. Remember to clean the fireplace guard, which keeps the flying embers away from your living space. Moreover, do not place anything flammable in your fireplace surround which may be the cause of fire. By making sure that your fireplace is up to safety standards, you can now fully enjoy your fireplace fire.
 
You could light your fireplace by throwing in a couple of newspaper pages that are crumpled loosely into a ball. Do not use paper that contains plastic because this will produce toxic fumes. Place the crumpled sheers into your fireplace grate, which elevates your fire, enabling it to use as much air as it needs in burning, which will then be directed upwards to your vent or chimney. Then you can add a few pine kindling strips, which is about half an inch in width and ten inches in length. Place them in a criss-cross style with half a dozen hardwood pieces of about one inch square by one foot long. Actually, a quicker way is to place the crumpled paper on top mixed with some fatwood sticks, which is very combustible. These fatwood pieces are collected from the stumps of pine trees, which contain the very flammable resin. It is sold in very handy eight inches long sticks, making it an easy source of a natural firestarter, which easily starts your fireplace fire.
 
Once you got a good fireplace fire burning, use you tongs to arrange the logs or put on some more. It is best to keep those logs in a neat and organized place in case you need to gat a good fire going especially on those long chilly nights. 

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