How to light a wood fire log

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How to light a High Density Fire Log:

Lighting these logs is different than regular firewood. The higher density types like North Idaho Energy Logs are very hard, heavy and dense, they are difficult to get burning and require a few tricks to get going properly.

Each fireplace, wood stove or other wood burning device has it's own set of peculiarities and it's important to understand how each of these works in order to enjoy the firelogs without having a problem getting them started.

Here are a few tips and tricks to make lighting Energy Logs and other fire logs easier.

Understanding the basics of combustion are important . The most common problem people have with high density logs is that the way they place the logs in the hearth or firebox of their stoves/fireplaces

STEP 1

For most Fire logs the first step is to break or cut off a few pieces about the size in the picture above.

Energy Logs are harder and denser and will require the use of a small hatchet or the special guillotine cutter we sell for that purpose.

STEP 2

Break off about 3-4 pieces aout the size of the ones shown in the picture above. These pieces will be used to prop up one end of the fire log in order to allow air to go under the logs as well as to allow the flame to pass between the logs and properly heat the bottom and inside surfaces of the logs.

STEP 3

You can see in the photo above how the fire logs are stacked or proped up on the smaller pieces. This is very important in order to ge the proper air flow and allow the flames from the firestarter to heat and ignite the high density fire logs.

TIP: Be sure to allow a space between the two logs..they tend to roll together and touch which will close the air space off and make ignition much more difficult. The space should be small only about the width of your finger at the most (a half an inch or so)

The Wood-Only fire logs and Energy Logs can both be started this way. The Wood Only logs come in a 3 pack so it each package makes a nice single fire experience. The logs can be used singly as well or broken up into smaller chunks and used in a outdoor chiminea.

STEP 4

Now that the fire logs or energy logs are stacked properly you can place a firestarter ( I use a half of a Super Cedar firestarter puck) fatwood, kindling or fire log chunk doused with starter fluid. Place the fire starter in the spot under the two logs in the highest part as shown above.

In my wood stove I leave the door open a crack to allow more draft until I can ss that the logs have started to burn. Be patient..if you close the door too soon the fire may die down and start to smoke or smoulder. I usually wait about 10-15 mins and the logs are fully engaged in flame..then shut the door and let it burn for about half an hour then shut down the damper and reduce the air intake to insure a longer burn time.

STEP 4 continued

The logs are fully engaged at this point - about 15 minutes from the start of ignition. As mentioned above, now is the time to close the door ( if not already closed) and adjust the air control.

Note; I used and extra chunk of fire log on top of the two log stack right over the spot where the flames from the fire starter come up between the logs. This piece catches fire quickly and helps the logs to fully engage quicker.