How to Easily Build a Fire in a Wood Stove

You may have had difficulty lighting a fire when using a wood stove, which ruined your good camping mood. This article will introduce you to the top-down approach to building a fire that most people use.

The step-by-step instructions below will help you build a fire in your wood stove using the top-down method.

1. Place larger logs on the floor of the wood stove firebox.
When starting a fire, it is necessary to start with solid wood. The pieces should be at least 3-5 inches in diameter.

2. Arrange a second layer of medium logs in a criss-cross pattern on top of the larger logs.
Medium logs are best about 50%-75% the size of larger logs.

3. Place a third layer of small logs on top of medium logs in a criss-cross pattern.
The small pieces of wood should be about 1-2 inches in diameter.


4. Set a fine tinder on a small log.
Typically, we place wooden boards, heavy cardboard, or both.

5. Place the newspaper knot over the flare and cardboard.
Newspaper knots are perfect for this step. Tear off a piece of newspaper, twist it together, make a rope, and tie a knot. Place three or four knots above the tinder evenly across the width of the firebox.

6. Light up the newspaper
If your stove has dampers or combustion fans, make sure they are turned on or on high. Light the newspaper knot. This can be done quickly with a long match or lighter.

7. Enjoy your fire

Newspaper knots will burn and spread onto firelighters, climbing onto small, medium, and large logs below. Now is the time to enjoy the beautiful flame. You now know how to start a fire in your wood stove like a pro.