There has been a growing resurgence in the open fire and the log burning stove. As more people realise the importance of getting back to basics and try to live a more natural and sustainable life style. The open fire becomes quite an attractive method of heating.
Despite the smoke, open fires are quite eco friendly compared to relying on central heating and the huge power station that supply our homes with energy. And there is much you can do to reduce the smoke that your logs produce and create more heat maximizing the benefit of the open fire.
Danger?
Some people are often put off open fires because of the concept of cutting up logs and messing around with fire. But open fires need not be dangerous or messy and they can be quite easy to maintain and kept going.
Lighting an open fire
To light a fire you will need some kindling. Kindling is just shavings of wood but you can use waste paper or card if you wish although it will produce more smoke. You can buy kindling by the bag or you can make your own. Once the kindling has caught and starts to burn, you can then add the logs, just be careful not to smother the flame, otherwise you'll have to start again.
Chopping wood
Don't worry. You won't need an axe or arms like a lumberjack. Log splitters are available, although ready chopped bags of logs are easily sourced too so there is no need for back breaking work. You can even make your own logs out of recycled paper and card by using a log maker. Logmakers help you reduce your recycling, saves you from having to buy logs and provides free heat.
Log Maker
Storing wood
If you have a good supply of logs it is worth considering buying a log store. Log stores not only help you keep the garden tidy and give you a place to store them but also they keep your logs dry so they will burn better producing less smoke.