There’s something really comforting about a real fire — especially when you’re away on holiday. Whether you’re staying in a cosy cottage, a large home with a log burner, or a shepherd’s hut with a crackling fire pit, knowing how to safely and easily light a fire will add warmth, atmosphere, and enjoyment to your stay.

Read on to discover how to light a fire in a log burner, open fire and fire pit, or for an easier step by step guide, scroll down to check out the video showing the steps in action.
Lit log burner in a living room

How to Light a Fire

Some properties provide guests with a starter pack, however it’s always best to ensure you have more than enough of everything needed to be sure your fire can continue to burn for as long as you require.

Check your essentials

  • Natural firelighter
  • Dry firewood
  • Kindling sticks
  • Matches (ideally long) or a lighter
  • Stove gloves
  • A safe, ventilated fire area

Good preparation makes lighting a fire quicker, cleaner and safer.

cosy stove fire in a living room

Lighting a Log Burner

Many of our Cotswold holiday homes now have wood-burning stoves. They’re charming, stylish and surprisingly efficient. Follow these simple steps to get the best from your log burner and open fire to make it last so you can enjoy it during your visit.

  • Starting with an empty burner, place a natural firelighter in the centre of the base
  • Either side of this, place a piece of kindling then place another two turned 90 degrees on top. Repeat these two steps so you’re building a tower to box in the firelighter
  • Add two logs either side of the kindling angled in to meet in the middle
  • Using a long handled match, light the fire lighter. Once the fire is established, close the door if you’re using a log burner
  • As the fire heats up, add another log and move the vent on your stove to control the oxygen
  • Continue adding more logs to maintain your fire

These simple steps can also be followed to light an open fire in your holiday home.

 

It’s important to remember that fires should never be left unattended and only ever used by a responsible adult. Many of our Cotswold holiday homes have a fire guard which should always be used, especially when there are children or pets in the property.

cosy log burner in a living room