24/10/2026
🔥 A BETTER FIRE STARTS AT THE TOP 🔥
Stacking your logs first and lighting the kindling above them might feel back to front, but it’s a simple way to get your wood-burning stove off to a cleaner start.
The top-down method allows the fire to work gradually through the fuel beneath it, helping warm the flue and establish a good chimney draught, with less smoke during lighting.
🪵 Here’s how to build it:
1️⃣ Place two or three small, dry logs at the base.
2️⃣ Add dry kindling in alternating layers, leaving gaps for airflow.
3️⃣ Put a natural wood-wool firelighter on top.
🔥 Light the firelighter and let the flames work their way down.
Always follow your stove manufacturer’s instructions for lighting and air controls, and use properly seasoned wood with a moisture content of 20% or less.
Save this guide for your next fire - a little care at the start makes all the difference. 👌
