Lighting a fire isn’t hard but it does require a little patience. Providing the conditions are right (particularly that the firewood has been stored correctly) and you know the correct way to light it; your fire will be successful every time. If you have left your firewood uncovered outside for example, and try to light a fire with wet wood; you may encounter a lot of resistance! The experts at Milam’s Tree Service understand how to burn firewood along with the best methods to get the most out of your wood burning stove and fireplace.
To Light a Fire Successfully on your First Attempt you Will Need:
• A couple of logs of seasoned firewood (Milam’s Tree Service seasons our firewood 3-6 months)
• 8 to 10 pieces of kindling
• Firelighters or newspaper
• Matches.
How to Light a Fire
1. Make sure that the air vents in the fireplace are open. Check that the wood is dry and place the logs at the bottom of the fireplace. The logs can be as thick as a baseball or thicker.
2. Add a layer of small, dry logs, about the thickness of a golf ball and then one or two layers of kindling on top. Air is important so make sure you leave some gaps between the wood to allow for air flow
3. Place a couple of firelighters or some rolled up newspaper on top of the kindling
4. Light the firelighters (on the top of the pile) and close the door.
Important Tips for Storing Firewood to Ensure a Successful Fire:
Make sure your wood is cut to the right length: Your wood should fit easily into your wood burning stove or fireplace. Ideally, your wood should be about three inches shorter than the width and length of your firebox.
Split your wood before you stack it: Once you have determined the correct length, split your wood to the correct width. Your wood should be no larger than six inches in diameter. Splitting your wood before you stack it will increase exposure to air which will improve the overall drying process.
Check for moisture content: Once your wood is split, use a moisture meter to monitor your starting moisture content. Ideally, the goal is 20% moisture.
Stack your wood in alternate directions: Remember, spacing allows for better air circulation which further reduces moisture content.
Store firewood up off the ground: Keep firewood at least six inches off the ground; if possible store your firewood in a wood shed. Keeping firewood off of the ground will protect the bottom of the wood pile from unnecessary exposure to moisture.
Cover the top of your woodpile, but leave the sides exposed+: A good rule of thumb is to build a wood shed that has a roof but one that is open on the sides to ensure even air flow and eliminate moisture.
High Quality Firewood & Expert Tree Trimming & Removal Services in McDonough, Jackson, Jonesboro, Fayetteville & Hampton as well as Fayette, Clayton & Henry Counties in Central Georgia.
When wood comes into our lot in McDonough GA, Milam’s Tree Service takes all of the logs and oak to the wood splitter for firewood. We then stacks it to season for 3 to 6 months. We sell firewood by the rack; 8’ long by 4” high and 4’ long by 4” high. We also sell hickory by the stick to add flavor to meat in wood-burning stoves, smokers, barbeque grills and more. Contact us today for your Central Georgia firewood needs!