Andrew Gray & Co Fuels

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How To Light A Smokeless Coal Fire - 4 Easy Steps

Lighting a coal fire doesn’t need to be a challenge. The secret to a great fire is to create a small combustion chamber that your fire can take hold of, and quickly grow to a high temperature.


  1. Old ash and cinders can restrict air-flow which can make for poor burning. Rake out the remains of the last fire so that the ash falls through the grate and pick off the cinders for re-use. These are the non-powdery, lightweight dark lumps that are still burnable.


  2. Once cleaned, place two firelighters against the back wall of the appliance. firelighters provide fast and reliable ignition for a range of appliances.

    Now, place several pieces of seasoned kindling around the firelighters so they are positioned in a small chamber. Leave a small space for a match to light these later.

  3. Once the kindling is in place, use a match or lighter to light the firelighters in the heart of the chamber. When the kindling has ignited and not relying on the firelighters, begin to add your smokeless coal. The hard-wearing bags that we put our fuel in, make them easy to move and ensure there is no mess. Be careful at this point not to smother the fire, only adding a few pieces at a time.


  4. If you are using a closed appliance such as a multi-fuel stove, open the door and air vents to promote good airflow. This will help the oxygen to circulate and establish the fire. Once the fuel has taken, these vents can be closed to the level you wish to manage the burn rate.



If you would like to order smokeless fuel, give us a phone on 01563 525215 or request a quote below.

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