JackClark

Please avoid these at all costs, I know they're made by Bryant and May but didn't expect the output to be the same as their matches!

Hopefully I'll be back on the coal tomorrow.

stormyuklondon1

spooky, i was going to post a question about those... ive got a bag of smokeless coal, and im having terrible trouble getting it to light. any tips on getting a fire going?

camk

firelighters in the fire. Light them all let them burn then put the coal on.

stormyuklondon1

yep, tried that. the bl**dy coals just won't catch!

JackClark

Scrunched Newspaper on the bottom, kindling in a pyramid shape on top, coal all around the edge and up the sides of the wood, leaving a gap at the front. For a sure fire start get a sheet of newspaper and hold it over the fires opening, leaving a gap at the grate for air, the increased airflow works a treat. Take care with the sheet holding, be prepared for it so set alight.

Dream Weaver

We have a big stove, and my method tends to be:

1. Layer of newspaper - 12 pages all scrunched up covering the bottom
2. Layer of kindling and plenty of it (using old fence panels at the mo).
3. Thick layer of Pure Heat coal.

I used to use firelighters/fluid but ran out and never bought any more as I can light the fire every time now without.

Just light the paper at the front, open the vents, and leave the door slightly ajar for a few seconds - the fire will catch straight away, paper/kindling will light the coals and bobs your uncle.

Turn the vents down/close them, chuck in some logs, then sweat your bollocks off for 4 hours with a nice steaming fire

OllyK

Optimax

pslewis

Hold the match under the lump of coal a bit longer ..... I have gone through 1000 matches before it has caught - but it keeps you warm while trying!!

Alternatively, rub 2 pieces of coal together ....

Pete