It is once again the time of year when the Autumnal nip in the air is slowly but surely turning into an icy chill. Day by day the sun begins to disappear earlier and we believe there’s no better way to spend an evening than curled up in front of a real log fire. But how do you light one without losing your eyebrows? Here’s a handy guide or a refresher for those that are a little out of practice:
- Read the instructions (boring but helpful)
Even if you think you know how to light a stove, some models are different from others and it never hurts to read the manufacturer’s instructions if there are some available. If the manual is missing you can check the manufacturer’s website for online instructions. Double-check that you have enough kindling and wood before you light the stove – there’s nothing more frustrating than having to run out in the cold for more supplies once you’re all warm and cosy!
In our out apartments we do supply enough wood to start your first fire – additional kindling wood, fire starters and logs can be bought from the reception at The Point.
- Open the valves
You should see an ‘open/close’ switch/lever under the grate or next to the door of the burner – make sure it is set to open. This is the air control that will let oxygen in. Some stoves also have a secondary air vent at the top, which should also be fully open. Without oxygen, a fire cannot burn efficiently (or at all) and the secret to the perfect fire is to get the temperature as high as possible so that the metal casing of the burner and flue radiates heat long after the fire dwindles.
- Lay kindling
Scrunch up some newspaper (5 or 6 balls should be enough) and place in the centre of the grate. Add a small pyramid of kindling (tiny pieces of dry wood) on top, leaving gaps between the pieces of wood to keep air circulating. The pyramid shape helps direct the heat up so the flue (and your fingers and toes) will warm faster.
- Light the fire
Use long matches or a lighter to ignite the newspaper under your kindling. Light the paper in three or more places (starting at the back so you don’t burn your fingers!) to make sure the fire burns evenly. Leave the stove door ajar while the fire gets going to keep the air flowing.
- Add the logs
Once the fire is established, you can add some smaller logs on top – place them one at a time to avoid suffocating the flames. After 10-15 minutes, close the door and partially close the vents to limit airflow. Keep the door closed unless you are adding more wood. You’ll know it’s time to add more wood when the logs are mostly glowing red embers, and if the fire is smoking you may wish to let more air into the burner so that the fire can burn cleanly. Make sure you keep children and pets away from the stove while it’s in use and do not leave anything combustible too close to the burner.
- Enjoy a cosy night in front of the fire
Enjoy a good book, boil the kettle for the perfect cup of tea/hot chocolate or even pour yourself a glass of red wine!
Log burners at The Point
All of these holiday rentals at The Point have log burning stoves or open fires:
2-bed
3-bed
4-bed
5-bed
To book your cosy autumn/winter getaway or find out more about our leisure facilities, contact The Point today.
