Christmas! ‘Tis the season of festive cheer, family gatherings, and the comforting glow of a crackling log fire. But how can you ensure your fire burns safely, efficiently, and oh so joyfully all season long?
Discover our 12 Log Burning Tips of Christmas and let The Log People help you turn up that festive heat!
The 12 Log Burning Tips of Christmas:
On the first day of Christmas, The Log People said to me:
Here’s how to get the ultimate cosy fire this Christmas:
🎄 Step 1: Kindling is king!
Don’t be shy! Build a nest of kindling at the base of your log burner and light it with natural wood wool firelighters. This creates a strong base to get things glowing!
🎄 Step 2: Build the heat.
Once your kindling has burned down to a bed of embers, add 1-2 kiln-dried softwood logs or briquettes. These burn hot and fast, and raise your stove’s temperature quickly and clearing any stubborn downdraft in the flue.
🎄 Step 3: Hit the sweet spot.
Your stove’s happy place is between 250-300°C. Use a stove thermometer to check you’ve reached optimal burning temperatures. This is key for efficiency and safety.
🎄 Step 4: Add the magic.
Now it’s time to top up with kiln-dried hardwood logs. They offer a long, clean and hot burn that’ll keep your fire roaring and your cheeks glowing hour after hour!
🔥 Pro Tip: Always use Ready to Burn certified kiln dried logs for maximum efficiency and minimal smoke.
On the second day of Christmas, The Log People said to me:
Try the top-down method to enhance your log fire’s efficiency! Here’s how to master this simple but effective fire-starting technique:
🎄 Step 1: Build from the bottom up.
Start by placing 2-3 larger kiln-dried hardwood logs at the very bottom of your stove or fireplace. These will serve as the long-burning foundation of your fire.
🎄 Step 2: Add a middle layer.
On top of the hardwood base, place some kiln dried softwood logs or briquettes. These act as a bridge, helping the fire spread steadily down to the base layer.
🎄 Step 3: Top it with kindling.
Finish off with a generous amount of kindling and top with wood wool firelighters. This is where the magic begins!
🎄 Step 4: Light it up (from the top, of course).
Light the firelighters to ignite the kindling, and watch as the flames work their way downward. This method minimises smoke, creates a clean burn, and gets your fire roaring efficiently.
🔥 Why go top-down?
- Less smoke and lower emissions.
- A steady, self-sustaining fire from the get-go.
- More time for you to relax and enjoy the warmth!
- Learn more about how to start a log fire and keep it going
On the third day of Christmas, The Log People said to me:
Add a stove thermometer to your Santa list. It’s a must-have for any log burner owner looking to take the hassle out of lighting log fires! Think of it as your log burner’s very own sat nav, guiding you to the perfect temperature for safe and efficient burning.
By keeping your stove at the ideal range of 250-300 degrees Celsius, you’re not just getting a cosy, roaring fire; you’re also saving money by burning logs more efficiently and reducing waste. Plus, maintaining this sweet spot helps to prevent creosote build-up in your flue, which can otherwise cause blockages or even chimney fires.
Not sure where to start? Stove thermometers are easy to use. Simply attach one to your stove pipe or place it on the stove’s surface so you can see when your stove has reached optimal burning temperatures.
A small investment that makes a big difference!
On the fourth day of Christmas, The Log People said to me:
Avoid putting wrapping paper in the fire! Whilst it might be tempting to throw Christmas paper into the fire, it can create sparks and release harmful emissions.
Most wrapping paper contains inks, dyes, and metallic elements like foil or glitter, which release harmful toxins when burned. These can damage your stove, pollute the air, and leave behind residues that are tough to clean. Plus, lightweight paper burns quickly, creating sparks that can become a fire hazard.
So don’t burn wrapping paper! Recycle it! Remove any sticky tape or embellishments first, then pop it in your recycling bin or take it to your local household waste recycling centre. For wrapping that’s too shiny to recycle, consider repurposing it for crafts, gift tags, or decorations.
On the fifth day of Christmas, The Log People said to me:
Never burn real Christmas trees in your log burner or open fire! While it might seem like a good way to dispose of your tree once the festivities have ended, it’s not safe or efficient for your firewood needs. Here’s why:
Fresh pine or fir contains high levels of sap and resin, which burn unpredictably and produce a lot of smoke. This not only lowers the efficiency of your fire but also increases the risk of dangerous creosote build-up in your chimney or flue, which can lead to blockages or chimney fires. Additionally, the needles can spark excessively, creating a fire hazard inside and outside your stove.
Instead, give your tree a second life by recycling it! Many local councils offer tree collection services or drop-off points for shredding into mulch, which can be used in parks or gardens. Alternatively, if you have the space, you can compost your tree yourself. Just be sure to chop it into manageable pieces and remove any leftover decorations.
On the sixth day of Christmas, The Log People said to me:
Decorate your fireplace safely! Your mantelpiece is often the heart of any festive décor, but safety should always come first. Keep flammable items like tinsel, stockings, or paper decorations far away from flames and high-temperature areas.
Instead, opt for fire-safe alternatives. Flame-retardant garlands made from synthetic materials are a festive and risk-free choice. LED lights are another great option as they give off minimal heat while adding a magical glow. Fire-safe ornaments made from metal, glass, or ceramic can also bring Christmas charm without the worry.
Love the tradition of stockings hanging from the fireplace? Save them for when the flames are out and the stove is cool to the touch.
With a little planning, you can create a cosy, festive fireplace that’s as safe as it is stylish!
On the seventh day of Christmas, The Log People said to me:
Never burn cardboard in your fire! It might seem like a quick and easy way to dispose of old boxes, but it’s far from safe.
Cardboard often contains inks, coatings, and adhesives that release harmful chemicals and fumes when burned. These toxins can pollute your indoor air and damage your stove or flue over time. Additionally, cardboard burns too quickly and unpredictably, creating excessive sparks that can pose a fire hazard both inside and outside your log burner.
Instead, recycle responsibly. Flatten your cardboard and pop it in your household recycling bin, or take it to your nearest household waste recycling centre. By keeping cardboard out of your fire, you’ll protect your log burner, your home, and the environment.
- Read our top tips for how to reduce the environmental impact of your log burner
- Find household waste recycling centres near me
On the eighth day of Christmas, The Log People said to me:
Keep logs well away from your log burner or open fire. While it might seem convenient – and even stylish – to stack logs beside your stove, it’s a very risky practice. When your stove reaches high temperatures, the heat can cause nearby logs to dry out further and accidentally combust if ignitable temperatures are reached.
For indoor log storage that’s as safe as well as stylish, use a log basket or rack that’s positioned at least a meter away from your stove or fireplace. This keeps your logs within easy reach while storing them at a safe distance from any direct heat source. Consider using a metal container with sides to prevent logs from rolling out or scattering.
If you’re storing firewood outside, ensure it’s kept in a covered and ventilated purpose-built log store. Stacking logs off the ground and under a waterproof cover protects them from rain and moisture while allowing airflow to prevent mould and maintain proper seasoning.
- Learn more about how to store kiln dried logs and keep them dry
On the ninth day of Christmas, The Log People said to me:
Start the New Year off by prioritising fire safely and book a chimney sweep! A clean chimney isn’t just good for efficiency. It’s essential for reducing fire risks and keeping your log burner performing at its best.
During the colder months, particularly between November and March, fireplaces and stoves get the most use. Perhaps not surprisingly, this is also when most chimney fires occur. Chimney fires are often caused by the build-up of soot, creosote, or blockages from debris like bird nests. Regular sweeping removes these hazards, ensuring proper airflow and efficient burning while protecting your home and loved ones.
HETAS recommends having your chimney swept at least once a year and ideally before the start of the heating season. If you use your stove frequently, a mid-season sweep can provide added peace of mind.
Book your appointment with a HETAS registered chimney sweep to keep your home safe.
On the tenth day of Christmas, The Log People said to me:
Use eco-friendly firelighters like wax-coated wood wool or even pine cones! These natural options are not only safer for the environment, but they also enhance the burning of your kiln dried logs.
Traditional firelighters can often contain chemicals or produce harmful fumes, but eco-friendly alternatives like wax-coated wood wool are made from renewable materials and are completely non-toxic. Pine cones, especially those that have been dried and coated with wax, are another great choice as they are naturally abundant and easy to use.
These sustainable firelighters help your logs burn more efficiently, getting your fire going quickly while minimising smoke and waste.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, The Log People said to me:
Allow sufficient airflow to provide an efficient burn! A well-ventilated fire not only burns hotter and more efficiently, but it also helps reduce emissions and ensures you’re using less fuel.
Avoid overcrowding your firebox by stuffing it with too many logs. This restricts airflow and causes your fire to smoulder rather than burn cleanly as it should. Build your fires up slowly, starting with a small amount of kiln dried softwood logs and gradually adding more as the fire grows. When the stove has reached optimal burning temperatures add 1-2 kiln dried hardwood logs to sustain the burn time. This method allows the fire to provide more heat, use less fuel while lowering emissions.
Don’t forget the air vents in your stove or fireplace! Keeping them clear provides the air flow that your fire needs to burn efficiently. Regularly check and clean the vents to avoid blockages that can hinder your stove’s performance.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, The Log People said to me:
Create cosy Christmas memories! Arrange comfortable seating around your log fire, invite loved ones to gather, and top off by serving mulled wine or hot chocolate to add a memorable festive touch. Let the flickering flames provide the perfect backdrop for laughter and making precious memories together.
Share your festive moments with us by tagging us on your socials! We’d LOVE to see how you’re celebrating the festive season around the fire!
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