How to Light a Fire

Little Loads
2 days ago
4 min read

Hands lighting a small campfire outdoors with a matchbox, stacked firewood, stones, and a small orange flame

There's something special about gathering around a crackling fire on a cool Perth evening. But if you've ever struggled with damp wood, excessive smoke, or a fire that just won't catch, you know that lighting a fire isn't always as simple as it looks.

The good news is that with the right technique and quality firewood, you can have a roaring fire in minutes. Here's everything you need to know about lighting a fire properly.

Start with Quality, Dry Firewood

Before you even strike a match, your success depends on the wood you're using. Freshly cut or damp wood creates excessive smoke, burns poorly, and makes the whole process frustrating.

We supply Jarrah and mixed species block wood that's been properly dried to reduce moisture content. This means cleaner burns, less smoke, and fires that light easily and burn efficiently. Our firewood meets the Firewood Association of Australia standards, requiring at least 75% dry wood from sustainable regrowth tree farms.

Pro tip: Store your firewood in a dry, covered area with good airflow. Even quality dry wood can absorb moisture if left exposed to Perth's winter weather.

Gather Your Materials

Before you start, make sure you have everything within reach:

Newspaper or natural firelighters
Kindling (small, dry twigs or wood pieces)
Larger pieces of firewood
Matches or a lighter
Fireplace tools (poker, tongs)

Having everything prepared means you won't be scrambling around once your fire is underway.

The Top-Down Fire Method

This method is cleaner, easier, and produces less smoke than traditional bottom-up approaches. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Build Your Base

Place your largest pieces of firewood at the bottom of your fireplace or fire pit, laying them parallel to each other with small gaps between.

Step 2: Add a Second Layer

Add another layer of slightly smaller logs perpendicular to the first layer. This creates airflow, which is essential for a good fire.

Step 3: Continue Layering

Keep adding progressively smaller pieces, alternating direction with each layer. Your final layers should be kindling and small twigs.

Step 4: Top with Firelighters

Place crumpled newspaper or natural firelighters on the very top of your wood stack.

Step 5: Light from the Top

Light the newspaper or firelighters at the top. The fire will burn downward, gradually igniting each layer as it goes. This method produces less smoke because the flames heat the wood below before igniting it, allowing moisture to evaporate first.

The Traditional Bottom-Up Method

If you prefer the classic approach, here's how to do it right:

Step 1: Create an Airflow Base

Crumple several sheets of newspaper loosely and place them in the centre of your fireplace. Don't pack them too tightly, as air circulation is key.

Step 2: Build a Kindling Teepee

Arrange your kindling in a teepee shape over the newspaper, leaving enough space for air to flow through.

Step 3: Add Larger Wood

Once your kindling teepee is stable, add small to medium pieces of firewood around it, maintaining the teepee structure.

Step 4: Light the Fire

Light the newspaper in several spots. As it catches, the flames will spread to the kindling, then to the larger wood.

Step 5: Add Wood Gradually

Once your fire is established, add larger pieces of wood gradually. Don't smother the flames by adding too much at once.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Lighting a Fire

Using Wet or Green Wood

This is the number one reason fires won't light properly. Wet wood creates smoke, not heat, and makes the whole experience unpleasant.

Overcrowding the Fire

Wood needs oxygen to burn. Packing too much wood too tightly suffocates your fire before it gets going.

Forgetting About Airflow

Make sure your damper is open (for indoor fireplaces) and that air can circulate around your wood. Good airflow equals a good fire.

Adding Large Logs Too Soon

Be patient. Let your fire establish itself with smaller pieces before adding your larger logs.

How to Maintain a Fire

Once your fire is burning well, maintaining it is straightforward:

Add wood gradually as needed, placing new pieces toward the back of the fire.
Use fireplace tools to adjust logs and maintain airflow.
Keep the fire at a manageable size. Bigger isn't always better.
Never leave a fire unattended.

Safety Tips When Lighting a Fire

A few important safety reminders:

Always use a fireplace screen or guard
Keep flammable materials well away from the fire
Have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby
Ensure smoke alarms are working
Never use accelerants like petrol or methylated spirits
Make sure your chimney is clean and in good condition

Stock Up Before the Peak of Winter

The best time to buy firewood is before you need it. Every year, demand increases once temperatures drop, and quality dry firewood becomes harder to source.

We offer flexible supply options from trailer-loads to truckloads, with delivery usually within 24 hours. You can also pick up your own firewood with our complimentary trailer hire (photo ID required).

Getting your firewood sorted early means you'll be ready for those first cold snaps without the stress of last-minute ordering.

With quality dry firewood and the right technique, you'll be enjoying warm, smoke-free fires all winter long. Browse our firewood range or contact us for more information. Our team is always happy to help you choose the right firewood for your needs and answer any questions about quantities or delivery.

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