FIREPLACE: READ THIS FULLY!
LOCATE FLUE
The flue is a metal plate which separates the fireplace from the chimney. Attached to this plate is a metal handle extending down, visible inside of the fireplace at the top. The handle is lined with teeth and has a metal loop at the bottom.
OPEN FLUE & STACK WOOD
WARNING: THE HOUSE WILL FILL WITH SMOKE UNLESS THE FLUE IS OPEN, TRIGGERING THE FIRE ALARM AND ALERTING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!
You can use the fireplace poker (slotted into the loop) to move the handle up and down. As you move it up, the teeth will catch, keeping the plate propped open. If the handle falls back down, the teeth did not catch. Make certain the handle is up all the way, which means the flue is completely open.
WARM FLUE AND LIGHT FIRE
WARNING: IF YOU DON’T WARM THE FLUE THE HOUSE WILL FILL WITH SMOKE!
Watch this video! While it is called “warming the flue” it is actually creating an upward draft of air flow into the chimney from the fireplace. You do this AS YOU LIGHT THE FIRE.
FIREPLACE SCREEN: VERY IMPORTANT!
Unless you are tending to the fire, it is VERY important that the fireplace screen always be in front of the fire. It is there to protect you (and the carpet) from the occasional hot ember popping out. The rug has suffered a few burns unfortunately. Let‘s avoid that!
NEED MORE WOOD?
More firewood is available outside next to the garage. Kindling, Fat Wood (fire starters), newspaper and a lighter are all available next to the fireplace.
LET FIRE EXTINGUISH ON ITS OWN
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE!
Simply let it burn out naturally. If using the fire in the evening you can wait until the next morning once the fire is extinguished to close the flue. If you close the flue before the fire is extinguished the house will fill with smoke!