Last Updated November 2025

Fireplaces and chimneys are involved in about 15,400 home fires a year on average, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Taking the time to prep before you light a fire in your fireplace — and cleaning up when you’re done — can help keep things easy and, most importantly, safe. This guide covers what to have on hand, a few important safety reminders, the basics of how to get a fire going and how to wrap up when the embers fade.

What you’ll need to start a fire

• Seasoned, dry hardwood 
• A few smaller splits and kindling 
• Clean tinder or indoor-rated fire starters 
• Fireplace grate, tools and a metal ash bucket with a tight-fitting lid 
• Long matches or a long-neck lighter 
• Heat-resistant gloves 
• Fireplace screen 

When choosing wood for your fire, consider things like smokiness and burn time. For example, how do you start a fire in a fireplace without generating a lot of smoke? Hardwoods such as oak, maple or hickory are dense and typically burn longer with less smoke. Softwoods like pine tend to contain more moisture, sap and resin, which allows them to catch quickly. However, that can create more smoke along with soot that can clog the chimney. Softwoods also burn faster and can pop, sending burning embers out of the fireplace.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests using a combination of woods: softwood kindling to start the fire and hardwood for the main fuel. Kindling should be dry twigs or small pieces of wood no thicker than a finger or thumb. Tinder (such as bark or newspaper) should be clean, dry and easy to light. Avoid coated, glossy or treated material.

• Open the damper all the way 
• Clear the area within 3 feet of the hearth 
• Burn only seasoned, dry wood 
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms 
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby 
• Have your fireplace screen ready 

Fireplace safety: What not to burn

Gasoline, lighter fluid or other accelerants. These can cause sudden flare-ups. 

Pressure-treated, painted or stained wood. Coatings and chemicals can release harmful fumes when burned. 

Cardboard, plastics or trash. These can melt, smoke heavily and send embers or hot ash up the flue. 

Burning wood in gas or electric fireplaces. Units designed for gas or electric are not built to vent wood smoke or embers. 

For more safety guidance, see the USFA’s Heating Fire Safety guide and other home fire prevention tips.

Step-by-step instructions for lighting a fire

Many chimney professionals and home fire specialists recommend using the “top-down” method of building and starting a fire because it can reduce smoke from initial ignition, create a cleaner burn and warm the flue gradually for safer, more efficient drafting. A top-down fire is built in layers, with tinder and kindling on the top. The fire is lit from the top.

The top-down fire-building method

1. Open the damper. It should be opened all the way. 
2. Set the base. Place two or three larger logs on the grate with small gaps for airflow. 
3. Add a middle layer. Lay two to four medium splits across the base to help air move. 
4. Pile on kindling. Crisscross dry kindling on top of the base and middle layers. 
5. Top it off with tinder. Use clean tinder or an indoor-rated starter. Avoid glossy paper. 
6. Do a final check. Damper (open), tools (nearby), kids, pets and loose fabrics (at least three feet away from the hearth).  
7. Light from the top. Ignite the tinder and kindling. This allows the flame to work down through the warmed wood for a steadier start with less smoke. 
8. Tend sparingly. Add one split at a time to keep the fire small and controlled, and replace your screen each time. 

Fireplace care and cleanup

After a fire, these cleanup and maintenance steps can help prevent late-night smoke and stray embers and leave the fireplace ready for the next time.

• Let ashes cool in the firebox for 24–48 hours. 
• Move cooled ashes into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. 
• Sprinkle water over the ashes in the container to ensure embers are fully extinguished. 
• Secure the lid. 
• Store the container outdoors on a non-combustible surface, at least 10 feet from any structure. 
• Do not empty ashes into household trash or leave the container on a deck or near combustibles. 

Scheduling a regular check and cleaning of your chimney can be part of getting the house ready for a new season. Read more about fall home maintenance or spring home maintenance, or find out if you should DIY or pay a pro for the five most common home fix-it jobs.

Your fireplace and homeowners insurance

At Farmers, we know your home is your most important investment. Even with good habits, accidental fires in a home can still happen. A standard homeowners insurance policy may cover fire damage to your home and belongings, subject to your policy terms, limits and deductible. Ready to explore your options?

Get a homeowners insurance quote from your local agent.

See policy for exact details. In the event of a conflict, policy language prevails.  

The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. The information is provided by Farmers^®and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to this article or the information, products, services or related graphics, if any, contained in this article for any purpose. The information is not meant as professional or expert advice, and any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. 

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