Welcome to the Higher Ground Firewood guide to a perfect burn. Whether you are using our Premium Air-Seasoned Firewood or the compact Hearth Nuggets you received, these tips will help you get the most heat and efficiency out of your fire. Proper burning isn’t just about heat; it’s also safer for your home and chimney.
Why Dry Wood Matters (The Foundation)
The most important part of a good fire is using fully seasoned wood. Wood burns best when it has a moisture content below 20%. If you try to burn “green” or wet wood, the fire will sizzle, create excessive smoke, and barley put out any heat. All our firewood is processed and seasoned specifically to give you the hottest, cleanest burn possible.
The “Top-Down” Fire Starting Method ( Our Recommendation)
This method reduces smoke and builds a strong coal bed quickly.
- Base: Place your largest logs on the bottom of your stove or fireplace, leaving small air gaps.
- Middle: Lay a second layer of smaller logs perpendicular to the first layer
- Top: Place your kindling (like our Hearth Nuggets) on the very top, along with a few natural fire starters.
- Light it up: Light the fire from the top. As kindling burns, it warms the chimney quickly (reducing smoke) and drops the hot coals onto the logs below.
Airflow and Maintenance
- Oxygen is Key: Keep air vents fully open when starting a fire to get a strong blaze. Once the fire is established, you can slightly reduce the airflow to achieve a consistent, long-lasting burn without starving the fire.
- Chimney Care: To prevent dangerous creosote build-up, have your chimney professionally swept at least once a year. Creosote is a highly flammable byproduct of incomplete combustion and is the leading cause of chimney fires.
Safety First
- Keep flammable items (curtains, furniture, etc.) at least 3 feet away from your stove.
- Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start a fire.
- Always use a screen on your fireplace to catch sparks.
- Keep a modern, working fire extinguisher nearby.
Need More Nuggets?
Don’t get left out in the cold. Order another bag of our Premium Hearth Nuggets or a full cord of our Premium Seasoned Hardwood Firewood today!