Starting a fire:

by David
(Northern Ohio)

1st before trying to start a fire, open the stove, and notice if you feel cold air coming down in the stove. If so, try to equal the pressure - (open a door or window if close)

2nd We use paper towels to absorb the fat when frying bacon, makes a great fire starter, and smell good, will burn for 4-5 minutes.

3rd And most important: get yourself a thermometer for your stove pipe..a great safety tool!!!! When burning, the goal is to keep the temp. between 250-500 degrees.
It is the most efficient, and safe way to control your fire.

after a season of burning my Fisher "Mama Bear" when I clean I can hold all material from a 12-foot chimney in my two hands.

I have used this way for about the last 12 years, and it works!!

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Jan 22, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		negative pressure NEW
by: bluesdoc1952

I was getting serious smoke on light up of my Jotul F100 until i noticed the negative pressure in the pipe. Rolled up newspaper didnt warm the chimney enough. An old hair dryer from our appliance graveyard did the trick. I put it in the stove for ten minutes before I light it up. No smoke in the house!!
Nov 11, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		starting the fire NEW
by: Anonymous

Fleet Farm has Fatwood Fire Starters no need for paper etc. They have a pitch that lights with a match one or two is all you need.
Dec 22, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		Top Down NEW
by: Comon baby light my fire

Top Down Method has become the Go to for starting less smoky cleaner and faster down draft busters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQSCFgRgFN4

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