How to light, refuel & extinguish your fire

21 Apr

Whether you want a cleaner stove window, less smoke, or simply a reliable burn, the top-down method is the way to go. Here's how to get it right from the first spark to the last ember.

Lighting the Fire: The Top-Down Method

The top-down approach flips the traditional way on its head, with excellent results. Here’s how to do it:

Base Layer – Place larger, dry logs (ensure they are Woodsure - Ready to Burn-certified for a cleaner burn) at the bottom, laid in a criss-cross pattern for airflow.

Middle Layer – Add smaller logs or thick kindling sticks on top.

Top Layer – Add a stack of fine kindling like twigs, pine cones, or small wood chips.

Ignite – Place a firelighter or a rolled-up bit of newspaper at the very top and light it. The fire will burn downward, creating less smoke and helping the chimney draw better.

👉 See our guide on using your stove efficiently.

Refuelling the Fire

Safety First: Open the stove door slowly when refuelling to prevent a sudden rush of smoke or flames. Use fireproof gloves if necessary, and never leave the stove unattended while the door is open.

Add Fuel Gradually: Place one log at a time onto the burning embers, rather than piling on multiple logs at once. This ensures the new fuel catches fire evenly and helps maintain steady combustion. Overloading the stove can smother the flames and reduce airflow, leading to incomplete burning and excess smoke.

Monitor Airflow: Use your stove’s air controls to regulate oxygen flow to the fire. Keep the flames lively and avoid restricting them too much, as this can lead to a buildup of smoke and creosote in your chimney. Adequate airflow is key to sustaining an efficient burn and reducing emissions.

To keep things safe and efficient:

Use Woodsure - Ready to Burn-certified logs – It’s now a legal requirement in England that any firewood sold in volumes under 2m³ must be Woodsure - Ready to Burn certified. This means the logs have a moisture content of 20% or less, helping your fire burn hotter and cleaner. If you're buying wood from Facebook, Gumtree, or roadside sellers, make sure it's certified — or they’re breaking the law.

If you burn coal, only use DEFRA-approved smokeless fuels. These burn more cleanly and are allowed in smoke control areas. Wet logs and banned fuels not only clog up your chimney with tar and soot, they can also void your appliance warranty and risk your health.

👉 More on fuels: Smokeless Coal vs Wood – What’s Best for Your Fire?

Safely Extinguishing the Fire

HETAS advises against shutting your vents down too early. Trapping gases too soon can cause incomplete combustion, soot buildup, or even CO release.

Here’s what to do:

Let the fire burn down naturally — don’t shut vents while logs are still burning.

Spread the embers with a poker so they cool faster.

Never use water – it can crack your stove or flue lining. Use a layer of ash or sand if you need to smother embers.

Empty ashes safely into a metal container once cold

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Reminder

Every room with a stove must have a carbon monoxide alarm, and it must be positioned correctly to be effective. It should sit 1–3 metres horizontally from the appliance and be at least 150mm from the ceiling, or 300mm from any wall if ceiling mounted.