Ditch the chemicals. Fire-lighting, the natural way.
Modern firelighters are convenient — but they’re often petroleum-based, heavily scented and wrapped in plastic. They can taint the smell of your fire, especially if you're using it for cooking. At The Logsmith, we’re all about keeping things simple, sustainable and natural.
And the truth is, you don’t need synthetic firelighters to start a perfect fire.
With the right kindling, dry logs and technique, you can light a fire the traditional way — cleanly, reliably, and with zero harsh fumes.
What you’ll need
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Natural fire starter (like our wax-coated wood wool rolls)
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Dry kindling
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Ultra kiln dried logs (oak, ash or birch — all under 15% moisture)
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A match or long-nosed lighter
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(Optional) Scrunched paper or cardboard for extra help
How to light a fire without synthetic lighters
1. Stack your kindling in a pyramid
Use our easy-carry boxes of kindling to form a small pyramid shape. Dry, well-cut kindling catches quickly and creates the airflow needed for your fire to build.
2. Place your natural fire starter underneath
Our natural fire starters are made from tightly rolled wood wool, dipped in wax. They burn for around 10 minutes — plenty of time to get kindling going. Place one underneath the kindling pyramid, not on top.
3. Add a couple of smaller kiln dried logs
Oak burns the longest, ash is incredibly stable, and birch lights the fastest. Add one or two smaller logs gently on top. Avoid blocking airflow — the pyramid shape helps flames move upward.
4. Light the fire starter and leave the door ajar
Once lit, your fire starter will gradually catch the kindling above. Leaving the stove door slightly ajar helps draw in air, speeding up combustion. You should hear a gentle crackle.
5. Once the kindling is alight, add more logs
Gradually build the fire by adding more logs as needed. Our boxes of logs are cut to convenient sizes and ready to burn — no prep required.
Bonus: Use paper or cardboard sparingly
If you’re lighting a fire outdoors or in less ideal conditions, a small amount of dry, crumpled paper or cardboard can help. We use paper tape on our packaging, which can be burned too — no plastic, no waste.
Why not use synthetic lighters?
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They contain chemicals that can release harmful fumes or leave residue on appliances
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They don’t burn as long, which can lead to frustration if kindling isn’t perfect
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They often come in plastic, which we actively avoid
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They’re overkill when you’ve got quality kindling and wood with less than 15% moisture
Natural fire starting is better for:
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Wood-fired cooking: no taint or flavour
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Stoves and flues: less soot and residue
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Your health: no harsh smells or emissions
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The planet: no petroleum or plastic waste
What makes our fire starters different
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Made from renewable wood wool
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Coated in clean-burning natural wax
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No dyes, scents or chemicals
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Packaged with zero plastic
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Sold in bundles that last all season
Whether you’re lighting a fire in your stove, chiminea, hot tub or pizza oven — you don’t need chemical firelighters to get it right. With our kindling, fire starters and logs, fire lighting is simple, sustainable and satisfying.