The "Boy Scout" method is still the most reliable and quickest way to start your fire.

Scrumple up into a tight ball half a dozen single sheets of newspaper - make sure it's not glossy coloured paper. Place the balls in the centre of the fireplace and form a "Tee Pee" over the top of the paper with about a dozen pieces of kindling or bark (ie pieces of wood approx. 25mm x 20mm). Add firelighters if you wish and light the paper in a couple of places. Do not disturb until the kindling has formed red embers, then, without flattening the fire, introduce more pieces of kindling and some small pieces of firewood. Add larger pieces gradually - don't smother it!

1. Don't smother the fire with timber - add small pieces gradually.
2. Clean out the ash box leaving approx. 10mm of ash.
3. A grate on the floor of the fireplace will increase draft.
4. Timber is wet or green - ensure wood is dry.

1. You may be using pieces of firewood that are too big.
2. If a Victorian type grate, try adding some coal or briquettes

1. The chimney needs cleaning - call a chimney sweep or depending on the type of chimney it can be a simple do-it-yourself job.
2. The floor of the fireplace may be too low relative to the dimensions of the opening. An additional row of bricks on the floor of the hearth may stop fireplace smoking.

1. Before turning the air draft mechanism down, allow 15 minutes for the wood to catch properly.
2. Fill firebox fully with firewood.
3. Check that the door seal or baffle is not faulty, which would allow excess draft.

The environment is everyone's concern, however, much misinformation is circulated regarding firewood. Next time you have a fire, enjoy it fully knowing that:

1. Firewood is not a fossil fuel - it emits the same amount of greenhouse gases whether burnt or left to rot on the forest floor, unlike gas & electricity which are fossil fuels.
2. Firewood is self-regenerating from trees and 100% renewable unlike gas & electricity.