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53D9052
624WBPF Woodburning Fireplace
If a decorative gas appliance is used in the fireplace the fireplace damper must be
fixed in an open position. (See additional operation information in section titled “Operation Guide-
lines”.)
These are the practical, ecological advantages of wood as a fuel. Also to be considered is the
aesthetic appeal. Most of us consider a wood fire with nostalgia. We enjoy the aroma, and find the
flickering light of a cozy hearth conductive to a happy remembrance of things past. Wood has a low
ash content. And the little ash that remains after burning is useful in home gardening as a fertilizer
and soil conditioner. This appliance is not for use as cooking equipment.
Each wood species offers something different in aroma or heat value, and you should consider
your needs and desires before building your fire. Softwoods, like pine, spruce, and fir are easy to
ignite because they are resinous. However, a fire built entirely of softwoods burns out quickly and
requires frequent replenishment. While a softwood fire is not too desirable for a long evening, it’s
fine in the morning when you want quick warmth, or late in the evening when you want a fire that
will burn out before you go to bed.
On occasion when a longer fire is desired, it’s best to combine softwoods with the heavier hard-
woods such as ash, beech, birch, maple, oak and hickory. These hardwood species burn less
rapidly, with shorter flames, and produce steady, glowing coals.
For the most pleasing aroma, burn the wood of fruit trees such as apple and cherry, or nut trees
such as beech, hickory and pecan. Such wood is generally more expensive, but a little combined
with other wood, goes a long way. Start your fire with a mixture of softwood and hardwood, then
add some fruit or nut wood for nostalgic aroma. Since most woods will not burn well when freshly
cut, the wood you purchase should be reasonably dry. The sizes you buy are dictated by the size
of your fireplace. Purchase logs that will fit when laid across your grate, and ask that the larger,
heavier logs be split. Kindling should be short, easily split lengths of softwood, lumber yard or mill
scraps, or twigs and branches gathered from your yard.
The first three fires should be of moderate size to allow the fireplace to adjust and the bricks to cure
before being subjected to larger fires. First, make sure your room is well ventilated, your damper
open and the flue is unobstructed. Then make sure your wood is dry and seasoned. Unseasoned
wood burns poorly and coupled with poor ventilation or an obstructed chimney, leads to smoking
problems. If your fireplace is equipped with an outside combustion air assembly, open the com-
bustion air inlet by pushing upward on the lever located above the firebrick on the left side of the
firebox.
Prepare your fire by placing two logs on the iron grate or fire basket, and laying the tinder between
them. Tinder may be dry scrap paper, twigs, or bark. On top place a small handful of twigs or split
softwood kindling. Place more dry logs over this base. Keep logs close together, as narrow air
spaces between them promote better drafts, and heat reflected between adjacent surfaces aids in
raising and maintaining combustion temperatures.