Build a Welcoming Coal Fire
What sort of coal fire would you like to build today? There are your normal, smokey, miserable, unappealing, coal fires and also Nice, Bright, Cheery, Welcoming Coal Fires. This will show you the later one. Yes, of course it's easy when you know, but relocating from a nice, cushy, centrally heated flat in the city to a 'rustic country house' is not without it's learning curve. Here's a method to build a coal fire, for those that need to know, the 'guaranteed method' to use.
Steps
- Make sure any previous fire is out and all coals are cold.
- Use the Poker to rake ashes through to the bottom of fireplace.
- Use the Tongs to remove partially burnt coals and place them on a sheet of newspaper. Wrap up those coals to re-use later, when fire is established.
- Remove ashes from hearth and CAREFULLY place them in a metal bucket.
- Tear about 1/2 a newspaper into strips and make a rough 'nest' in the fireplace.
- Use an Axe to cut 'a good handful' of dry kindling down to about 1 cm square section. You might also try 2 cm triangular section - it seems to work even better.
- Lay down 3 pieces of kindling in a triangular shape in the grate, and maybe 1 or 2 more pieces on each side.
- Put an alternate triangle layer on top and then repeat again, leaving a 'hole' in the middle. The alternating triangles should form a star shape.
- Around the stack of wooden triangles put a few large coals to stop the 'building' from collapsing outwards.
- Place a piece of fire-lighter (about 3/4 inch cube) in the middle hole.
- Clean up around the fireplace so it looks tidy.
- When you're ready to light the fire just drop a lighted match onto the fire-lighter.
- Carefully begin to place small coals over the flames.
- Those large coals should still stop the structure from collapsing.
- Add progressively larger coals and/or logs as necessary.
- Add the 'package' of part burnt coals.
- Enjoy!
Tips
- If the grate is too large, just place an old house brick at the back of the fire grate and some at the sides, to use less fuel.
- Soot is good for the garden, apparently, but coal ash isn't, so don't add it to your compost.
- Coal ash can be used on pathways, mixed with cement or just 'binned'.
- Wood ash is okay for composting.
- Have your chimney swept at least once per year (more often if you burn a lot of paper).
Warnings
- Before using, have the chimney swept to make sure it's not blocked or damaged.
- Always place a fire guard when leaving the fire unattended.
- When removing the ashes, hold the bucket close to the fireplace, so the dust is drawn up the chimney. Warm ashes WILL rise quickly and cover everything in your lounge, otherwise.
Things You'll Need
- An open fireplace
- Fireguard
- Coals (some areas will specify 'smokeless fuel' so check first)
- Wood - kindling and logs
- Newspaper
- Fire-lighters
- Matches
- Metal bucket
- 'Companion Set' - Tongs, Poker, Brush, Shovel etc
- Hand axe
