The 10-minute fire: how to get your wood burner going quickly

When it comes to the autumn/winter, there’s no better feeling than sitting in front of a real wood-burning fire and feeling the warmth and glow, which keeps you cosy as the outside temperatures drop.

But getting your wood burner started can sometimes be a bit tricky. Fire & Flame, the home fuel expert brand by Barbequick, shares that with the right fuels and very little prep work, you can get that roaring fire you’re after in no time at all. So, whether you’re settling in for a quiet evening or warming up after a chilly day outdoors, Fire & Flame has the essentials to help you get started.

Just follow these four simple steps to build a fire that catches easily and burns efficiently.

Step 1: Start with a firelighter

very good fire starts with a reliable flame. Place a suitable firelighter in your wood burner, following the appliance manufacturer’s instructions, and prepare to build your fire around it.

Fire & Flame’s Wood Wool Firelighters – a practical essential for your winter fuel collection. Pick them up at Argos, Sainsbury's or on the Barbequick website.

Step 2: Add your kindling

Arrange a small amount of dry kindling above and around the firelighter, leaving enough space for air to circulate. Good airflow helps the flames catch and spread, giving your fire the strong start it needs.

Fire & Flame’s Kindling – the ideal next step in building your fire. Pick it up at Argos, Sainsbury's or on the Barbequick website.

Step 3: Build the flames with smaller logs

Once the kindling has caught, add a couple of smaller, dry logs. Keep the arrangement loose enough to allow plenty of oxygen to reach the flames and give the fire time to establish itself before adding more fuel.

Fire & Flame’s Heat Logs – a convenient option for building up your fire. Pick up at Argos, Sainsbury's or on the Barbequick website.

Step 4: Add larger kiln-dried logs

With a good flame established and the smaller logs burning well, add a larger kiln-dried log or two, following your stove manufacturer's guidance on fuel size and loading. Avoid overcrowding the firebox and let the flames develop naturally.

Fire & Flame’s Hardwood logs – for the next stage of your cosy evening. Pick up at Argos, Sainsbury's or on the Barbequick website.

With the right fire lighting essentials, and the right fuel for each stage, you can spend less time coaxing a flame and more time enjoying the warmth.

A tip from the experts at Fire & Flame:  “Always look for the “Ready to Burn” logo when buying firewood. It means the wood has a moisture content of 20% or less, so it burns more efficiently, gives you more heat for your money and produces less smoke and harmful pollution. Wet wood wastes energy boiling off water and creates more soot and tar, which can damage your stove and chimney and increase the risk of a chimney fire”