How to Light the Perfect Fire in Your Wood Burner - A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Meon Valley Logs
- Oct 15
- 2 min read
Lighting a perfect fire is all about dry wood, good airflow, and steady heat. With Meon Valley Logs, you’re already halfway there - our ready-to-burn logs are the perfect fuel for a bright, efficient fire.
There’s something deeply satisfying about the crackle and glow of a real log fire. But even the best wood burner needs a little technique to get going efficiently. At Meon Valley Logs, we supply high-quality seasoned logs that make lighting a fire easy, but how you build that fire matters too.
Here’s our simple guide to creating the perfect, clean-burning fire every time.
1. Start with the Right Fuel
For a stress-free lighting experience, always use seasoned or kiln-dried logs. These have a low moisture content (under 20%) and burn hotter and cleaner than freshly cut wood. Wet logs, by contrast, smoulder, produce excess smoke, and waste energy.
Our Meon Valley our hardwood logs are ready to burn immediately - no extra drying needed.
2. Gather Your Fire-Starting Essentials
You’ll need:
Dry kindling (thin sticks or offcuts) - we offer multibuy discounts for kindling - find out more
A few natural firelighters (avoid paraffin types that add odour)
2-3 small logs to start with
Matches or a lighter
3. The Best Fire-Building Method: “Top-Down”
Forget the old newspaper pyramid. The top-down method is cleaner, faster, and better for modern stoves.
Here’s how:
Place your largest logs at the bottom, running front to back.
Add a layer of smaller logs or chunky kindling across the top.
Add thinner kindling criss-crossed above that.
Place your firelighters on the very top, near the kindling.
When lit from the top, the fire burns downward - lighting progressively larger pieces as it goes - which means less smoke, faster ignition, and an even burn.
4. Light and Leave the Door Ajar (Briefly)
Light the firelighters and leave your wood burner door slightly open for a few minutes to boost airflow. Once the flames are established and you can see the logs catching, close the door and adjust your air vents.
5. Manage Airflow for Maximum Efficiency
When the fire’s first catching, open the primary and secondary air vents fully.
As it gets going, gradually reduce airflow so the logs burn more slowly and evenly. Too much air makes logs burn away too fast; too little and they’ll smoulder.
6. Add Logs Gradually
Once you’ve got a good bed of glowing embers, add one or two logs at a time. Let the new logs catch before adding more.
7. Keep It Clean
Regularly remove ash, check your flue, and use only dry logs to prevent soot and tar build-up.
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