How to Light a Coal Fire in a Grate

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Clear out the ashes and cinders from the last fire

   Once the firelighter ignites, loosely fill in the remaining gaps where flames appear with small pieces of coal.
   
   The paper should light quickly, which will then light the sticks, and in turn will generate enough sustained heat to light the coal.
   
   Within 10 to 15 minutes, your fire should be blazing. , However, beware of burning wood with coal
   - this generates nitric acid which will eventually eat the cement holding your chimney together.
   
   A 904 steel flue will help avoid this but eventually will be damaged too.
   
   Keep coal coal.
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   Step 2: leaving a light layer of cinders on the grate.

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   Step 3: Place two firelighters near the front of the cinders.

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   Step 4: Roll up tightly a newspaper page

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   Step 5: then bend it in half

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   Step 6: and twist it tight around itself again until it is about 8 or 9 inches (20.3 or 22.9 cm) in length.

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   Step 7: Repeat this with a total of 5 or 6 pages

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   Step 8: and then place them over the firelighters in a pyramid pattern.

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   Step 9: Place the kindling over the rolled-up newspaper

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    Step 10: also in a star-shaped/pyramid pattern.

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    Step 11: Place the pieces of coal around the outer edges of the fire

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    Step 12: working inwards and towards the top of the pile.

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    Step 13: Fill all large gaps with smaller pieces of coal

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    Step 14: leaving place at the front to insert the lit match.

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    Step 15: Strike the match

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    Step 16: and insert in the gaps at the front to light the firelighter.

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    Step 17: Add coal

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    Step 18: peat (turf)

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    Step 19: or whatever other long-burning fuel you require to have a warm cozy fire for the evening.

Detailed Guide

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