As the chilly winter months approach, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a real log fire. The crackling sound, the flickering flames, and the warmth that envelops you create an inviting atmosphere. However, while enjoying this natural heat source, it’s crucial to prioritise safety.
The type of logs you select can significantly impact your fire’s efficiency and warmth. Different woods have distinct burning characteristics, and understanding these can enhance your experience.
Hardwood vs. Softwood
When choosing firewood, you’ll generally encounter hardwood and softwood. Hardwoods, like oak, maple, and birch, are denser and burn longer. They produce a steady, hot flame, making them ideal for prolonged heating.
Softwoods, such as pine and spruce, ignite quickly and produce a lively flame but burn faster and can create more soot.
While softwoods are great for starting a fire, they may not sustain warmth as long as hardwoods. Consider mixing the two to enjoy the benefits of both. A quick-burning softwood can ignite your hardwood, giving you the best of both worlds.
Seasoned vs. Green Wood
It’s essential to choose the right state of wood for burning. Seasoned wood is dried for at least six months, making it easier to ignite and creating less smoke. The reduced moisture content means less creosote build-up in your chimney, lowering the risk of fires.
In contrast, green wood is freshly cut and contains high moisture levels, leading to inefficient burning.
This means more smoke, less heat, and a greater chance of chimney blockages. Always opt for seasoned wood to ensure an enjoyable and safe fire.
Sourcing your firewood sustainably is vital for preserving our environment. Look for suppliers who practice responsible forestry, ensuring that trees are replanted after removal.
You might also consider using recycled wood products, like pallets or reclaimed timber, which can provide a unique burning experience without the environmental impact.
Building and Maintaining Log Fires
Several methods exist for building a fire, but two popular styles are the teepee and the log cabin.
- Teepee: Arrange kindling in a cone shape, leaving space for air to circulate. Once the kindling catches fire, the flames will rise and ignite the larger logs.
- Log Cabin: Start with a base of two larger logs parallel to each other. Stack smaller logs in a square shape around the base logs, alternating direction with each layer. This structure allows for excellent airflow and stable burning.
Airflow plays a vital role in fire maintenance. A well-ventilated fire burns hotter and more efficiently. To manage airflow, adjust the air intake on your stove or fireplace.
Opening the vent allows more oxygen to fuel the flames, increasing heat output. Conversely, reducing airflow can help slow the fire when needed.
Observe how your fire responds to airflow adjustments and learn the right balance for optimal burning.
Adding Logs at the Right Time
Knowing when to add logs can make a significant difference. Add logs when the flames are strong but before the fire dies down completely.
This prevents the fire from cooling and makes it easier for the new logs to catch. Remember to place the logs carefully, allowing space for air to circulate between them.
Safety Tips for Enjoying Your Log Fire
- A fire guard is crucial for preventing sparks from escaping your fireplace. It creates a barrier, especially important if you have pets or small children.
- Look for sturdy, well-constructed guards that fit your fireplace size. This small investment can save you from potential accidents.
- Proper ventilation is vital when using a log fire indoors. Ensure that your chimney is clean and free from blockages.
- Smoke detectors should be installed and regularly tested.
- Additionally, consider using a carbon monoxide detector, especially if your fireplace is in a closed room.
- Keep chimneys and flues clean, and use a qualified chimney sweep once a year (twice if burning logs). Keep surrounding area well-maintained.
- Burn well-seasoned wood to avoid water vapour combining with gas (this can create flammable tar). Use kindling or firelighters (over paraffin) and don’t put paper on fire, as it creates ”floating embers’.
- Ensure fires are out before leaving rooms. Install and check smoke alarms (and ensure everyone knows escape plans).
- For risk of chimney fires (sparks, flames, smells, roaring noises), get everyone out, close the door and call 999.
Avoid burning treated wood or plastics, as these materials release toxic fumes and harmful chemicals.
Never burn rubbish or household waste, as they can produce dangerous toxins and create excessive smoke. Always stick to seasoned logs for a cleaner, safer burn.
Are Thatched Buildings Safe with Log Fires?
Thatched roofs are usually fine if you mend cracked bricks and follow log-burner fire safety advice. Experts say to line chimneys and add a chimney pot (at least 1.8 metres above thatch) to prevent creosote build-up.
- Check stoves yearly and have chimneys swept at least yearly. Keep fire blankets/extinguishers nearby, don’t use blowtorches (or heat gun) and don’t light bonfires or release fireworks/fire lanterns.
- Use fire-resistant covers for light fittings (including downlights) and fit an outside tap, so a hose can quickly reach around building.
- Check for stained walls or dark deposits on chimneys, crumbling chimneys, scorching to wood lintels or soot on cobwebs.
- Some builders offer fireproof barriers between roof timbers and thatch layers, with a vapour check barrier between ceiling and loft space. Find help at National Society of Master Thatchers.
How to Prevent Birds Nesting in Chimneys
It’s illegal to disturb birds that nest in chimneys, so the best idea is to prevent nesting in the first place. Read our post on how to prevent birds nesting in chimneys.
Basic advice is to have your chimney swept once a year (when all birds have gone at end of season). Don’t install insulation until you’re sure birds have moved on. For gas fires, you’ll need a qualified fitter to move your fireplace away from the chimney opening, to conduct any work.
Avoid any work or maintenance around the chimney or nesting spots until the young birds have left the nest. Schedule chimney bird-proofing, cleaning, or repairs outside nesting months, usually late autumn or winter.
Signs of nesting birds include droppings, twigs, leaves and feathers, or noise with visible entry holes. You can try shining a torch down the chimney using an angled mirror, to spot nests in low light or hard-to-reach areas, without disturbing birds.
Chimney cowls & caps can help prevent smoke blowing back into homes. Install correctly so oxygen can circulate. These sit on your chimney pot to block birds, some with mesh covers to keep small birds out, without blocking airflow.
Make sure your cowl fits well on your chimney top. A loose cowl can let birds slip in or get damaged by wind. Check your cowl regularly for rust, damage or blockages from leaves. Cleaning it once a year keeps it effective.
Helping Stray or Orphaned Birds
The post above goes into detail. The first step is to check if the chicks truly need rescuing. Not all birds found on the ground are abandoned—sometimes young birds are fledging and learning to fly, which is a normal part of their development.
- Locate the nest: Look around carefully for the nest. Many times, a chick has simply fallen out but isn’t abandoned. If you find the nest intact nearby, gently place the chick back inside.
- Assess if the chick is abandoned: Observe quietly from a distance for at least an hour without approaching. Parents often leave the nest briefly to find food. If no sign of a parent returns, intervention may be needed.
- Observe lone baby crows or ravens up to an hour, as parents are likely still nearby and feeding chicks. If not, place in a high tree, and observe. If the bird is injured or parents don’t return (or if the bird has few/no feathers so is too young to stay in tree), call local wildlife rescue.
- Keep the chick warm: If you need to take temporary care, place the chick in a small box lined with soft cloth. Keep it in a warm, quiet spot away from pets, children, and noise.
- Avoid feeding or giving water: Baby birds have very specific diets, and incorrect food or water can cause harm. Do not try to feed or hydrate the chick yourself.
- Some birds need professional help, especially if they’re injured, sick, or very young without a nest. Wildlife rehabilitation centres have the training and resources to care for birds properly.
- Limit handling: Handling stresses young birds. Keep contact brief and only if necessary to move the bird to safety.
Know when to reach out:
- Injuries: Look for wounds, broken limbs, bleeding, or difficulty moving.
- Visible signs of illness: Lethargy, laboured breathing, or unresponsiveness.
- Unknown bird species or very young chicks: Some species require special diets or care.
- Repeated failed returns to the wild: If a bird is found multiple times in trouble.
When you call a rehab centre or wildlife rescue, provide clear information:
- Exact location where you found the bird.
- Description of its condition.
- Behaviour observed (e.g., active, weak, injured).
- The species if known (or a brief description).
They may advise you on immediate steps or arrange a collection. Remember, professionals have permits and the experience to give these wild creatures the best help while following legal protections.
