I’m going to be honest: I love camping and trying to light fires in unusual ways, but sometimes, I just want it lit. It’s at these times that it’s useful to know how to use a fire starter log.
My biggest piece of advice is to follow the directions that the manufacturer’s directions. However, there are some steps you can follow to use the fire starter logs to their best potential.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Fire Starter Log – OK, this is obvious. To use a fire starter log, you need a fire starter log. This is the one I like to use, but I do a quick review of different kinds below.
Item to start fire – You need something that starts the fire. Matches and lighters are good choices. I like to use these matches you can find on Amazon. They’re affordable and can be lit by striking them anywhere.
Fuel and Kindling – A fire starter log isn’t going to replace the larger logs and smaller kindling that are going to keep your fire going all night long.
Get a nice sized pile of kindling ranging in size from the thickness of a pencil to your thumb. For fuel, these logs need to be dry and can also range in size from the thickness of your forearm to six inches across. Larger logs can work too, but they take a lot longer to light.
Fire pit – You need to have a safe place for your fire to be. I recommend getting a portable fire ring if you don’t have one, but some places may already have them in place. You can always make your own which we describe below.
GOOD FIRE STARTER LOGS
In this section, I’ll do a quick break down of some different fire starter logs. Each one on this list is good, I’ve tried them all myself at some point. If you already a type you like, just skip ahead to the “Directions” section below.
Duraflame 2444 Firestart Firelighters – Duraflame is the iconic brand for fire starting logs. These are made of wax and recycled materials. The 24-pack stays burning for 30 minutes.
The price for the amount you get on this is just great. They light easily and burn hot enough to start damp wood. I do wish they burned up a little faster.
Pine Mountain Starter Logg – This brand also comes in a 24 pack at a really affordable price. Made from condensed hardwood, this is a cleaner starter to burn.
The only reason I don’t use this one regularly myself is that I feel like it burns a little too quickly. It starts easily (even in rain), but it doesn’t give off quite enough to dry out damp wood. You have to watch the fire more to make sure that the other fuel gets going.
Lightning Nuggets Fire Starter – These aren’t really fire starting “logs” but they serve a similar purpose. These small nuggets come in a 100 pack making them the most affordable, and they do light easily.
The best feature of the lightning nuggets is that they’re cleared for use with cooking right away. On the other hand, they aren’t easy to use when lighting anything damp. If you’re looking to get cooking right away, and you’re not worried about wetness, this may be for you.
STEP BY STEP DIRECTIONS
Here is where we give you step by step directions on how to use a fire starter log. Read carefully, and you should have no problem getting a roaring fire going soon.
1) PICK A SPOT AND SET UP YOUR FIRE PIT
To start, you should look for somewhere that has some coverage from the wind but is still far enough way from things that could catch fire easily such as bushes. If you have a fire ring to use or there’s already one at your site, just put it there. Fire rings and fire pits keep the embers contained better and provide shelter from the wind.
If you don’t have either of these, you can still make your own. Dig a pit just about twice the length and width of how large you’d like the fire and down at least three inches. This is going to serve a similar purpose to the fire ring or pit.
Make sure clear the area of debris, and if you have to, you can remove flammable hazards from the entire area. If wind is a concern, you can dig deeper for the pit or create a wind break using large logs (just don’t put them too close).
2) BUILD YOUR WOOD STRUCTURE
You need to build your wood structure. This is a fancy way of saying, “Put the wood in the fire pit.”
There many ways to structure the wood in your fire pit including the following:
- Tipi
- Cabin
- Lean-to
- Cross ditch
- Pyramid
- Dakota fire hole
These are all good ways to start fires, but I always recommend the tipi style. With a fire starter log, I place the said log in the middle of the pit. Then I lean some of my smaller fuel logs over the fire starter log.
Finally, I place kindling of varying sizes so they’re leaning on the fire starter log and against the fuel logs. Be careful not to put so much kindling that you block the airflow to the fire starter log.
3) LIGHT THE FIRE STARTER LOG
It’s time to start the fire. Follow the directions that came with the product if you have it. If you don’t, I suggest lighting each side of the log in at least four different places. You can use your lighter, matches, or whatever you brought to start the fire.
Now you just leave it alone. Make sure the wind isn’t blowing the flame out, and the fire starter log will gradually catch with a long, hot flame. This, in turn, will light the other pieces of wood and get your fire going.
4) BURN THE STARTER LOG OFF
Now you add more fuel as you need. But before you do anything like cooking or get too close to the fire make sure you wait until the starter log is completely burned down to embers.
The reason fire starter logs work so well is that they’re treated with chemicals that let them catch fire easily even when damp. These chemicals can be dangerous to breathe in directly or to cook food over. As long as you wait until it’s burned up, you should be fine.
5) PUT OUT THE FIRE
No campfire would be complete without responsibly taking care of it when you’re done. Make sure to pour water on the fire, stir the embers, and possibly cover it in dirt until it’s completely out.
If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
CONCLUSION
We hope you enjoyed reading about how to use a fire starter log. There’s no shame in using them. They’re an easy way to start a fire for those who don’t have the time or energy (I’m looking at my fellow fathers of young kids).
The biggest things to remember are to:
- Put the log in the middle of your fire structure
- Start the log in several places
- Wait until the log is burned up before cooking on the fire
Now get out there and enjoy the fresh air!
If you enjoyed reading this article, you may also enjoy How to Use a Firestarter (the survival tool kind).