Flikr fire, also known as the "top-down burn" or "upside-down fire," is an efficient and low-maintenance method of igniting and maintaining a fire in wood stoves. This technique ensures that your wood stove burns cleanly and provides consistent heat for a more extended period. In this article, we will provide clear and concise instructions on how to achieve a successful Flikr fire in your wood stove.
What You’ll Need:
Seasoned Firewood: Use well-seasoned hardwood, such as oak, maple, or hickory. Seasoned wood has lower moisture content, which leads to cleaner and more efficient combustion.
Kindling: Collect dry, small sticks, twigs, or newspaper to use as kindling to ignite the fire.
Fire Starter: A fire starter, like firelighters or paraffin wax squares, can be handy for ensuring a reliable start.
The Flikr Fire Steps:
Step 1: Clear the Firebox
Ensure that the firebox is free of ashes and debris from previous fires. You want a clean and unobstructed space for the Flikr fire.
Step 2: Arrange the Firewood
Place a few larger pieces of seasoned firewood at the bottom of the firebox. These logs should be roughly the same length as the width of the firebox.
Step 3: Add Kindling
On top of the base layer of firewood, stack a few layers of kindling. These are the smaller sticks or twigs. Ensure they are evenly spaced to allow for airflow.
Step 4: Place Fire Starters
Place the fire starter on top of the kindling stack. This will be the ignition point for your Flikr fire. If you’re using newspaper, crumple it and place it in the center.
Step 5: Layer with Smaller Wood
On top of the fire starters, add smaller pieces of firewood, such as split logs or wood scraps. These should be smaller in diameter than the base logs but larger than the kindling.
Step 6: Light the Fire Starter
Using a long lighter or matches, ignite the fire starter in the center. Make sure to light it evenly and allow it to burn for a few minutes, ensuring that the kindling and smaller wood catch fire.
Step 7: Close the Door
Once the Flikr fire is well-established, carefully close the door of the wood stove. This step is crucial for controlling airflow and achieving a cleaner burn. Make sure the air vents are open.
Step 8: Adjust Airflow
After the Flikr fire is burning consistently, you can begin to adjust the air controls to regulate the heat output. Reducing the airflow will slow the burn and extend the duration of the fire.
Benefits of Flikr Fire:
Efficiency: Flikr fires burn from the top down, which results in a slow, even burn. This maximizes the heat output and reduces the need to constantly tend the fire.
Clean Combustion: With proper airflow control, Flikr fires produce minimal smoke and creosote buildup, leading to cleaner and safer wood stove operation.
Longevity: Flikr fires can burn for an extended period, making them an excellent choice for overnight heating.
In conclusion, mastering the Flikr fire technique is a valuable skill for efficient wood stove operation. By following these clear and concise steps, you can enjoy cleaner combustion, prolonged burn times, and consistent heat from your wood stove.