Expert: James Ball - 11/28/2008

Question
Hi,
We live in a 1910 bungalow.  Fireplace is brick inside with a hole in the back covered by metal plate for pushing ashes into, which we clean out from time to time on the outside of the house.

There is a flu to open and close and a grill cover cap at the top of our chimney. We also have a gas pipe which has to be lit with a match to make the wood start better.
We had our whole system checked and some repairs done a few years ago. I read a lot of differing directions about how to start a fire in a fireplace, but none of them had our exact situation.  Besides, there was a lot of cautioning about updraft and down draft and carbon monoxide.  My husband, who always makes the fire was out of town and I tried, but was afraid to continue.
Question:
1. Do all of the ashes need to be cleaned out every time you start a new fire?  2.What do I do if the smoke is curling around the top of the firebox and leaking  into the room?  What are the steps I need to take to make a fire?
Thank you,
Marsha

Answer
Hello Marsha, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have Chimneys and vents should be checked every year.
start by opening the damper, make sure you do not feel cold air coming down (if you do open a window or door) until you don't feel it any more then light a small amount of news paper 2-3 sheets and small sticks (finger size and smaller)2 hand fulls, 1 at a time then when they are burning well add 1-2 split logs. never lose sight of the top of your flame. when fire is going close windows/doors.
no you should leave a bed of ashes 1/2-1" thick.
like any thing start small and learn as you go.
keep me posted
James