2020 - Woodabrix

How to Build a Safe Fire with Firelighters

There’s nothing quite like enjoying the great outdoors with a roaring fire, good company and a night sky full of stars. Building a fire is one of those things that you might sort of know how to do, but don’t really have to do it that often. Building a fire is actually quite simple, whether it’s a campfire or a cozy one in your living room. Here’s how to build a safe fire with firelighters.

What You’ll Need for Building an Outdoor Campfire:

1. A safe place to build your fire. If you’re outdoors, that means a fire pit away from trees and bushes. Select an open location for a campfire. Build the fire pit away from other items. Build about 10 feet (3.0 m) away from tents, trees, roots, overhanging bushes or dry leaves, and other flammable items. This is especially important if there’s no fire ring available. Sweep away loose twigs, sticks, leaves or roots. Underground roots can catch on fire in dry conditions. Do not place a fire near these. You don’t want to be starting any forest fires. Also, if you’re at a campsite, double-check that fires are permitted in the area.

2. Matches. Obviously, you’ll need these to start the fire. Best to use long safety matches, because, well, it’s in the name, they are safer.

3. Tinder/Firelighters. This is what you’ll use to start your fire. Outdoors, this means small, dry sticks and twigs, or firelighters do the trick. We prefer Woodabrix Firelighters, as they are eco-friendly, compact, mess-free and don’t smell of petrol. Put some tinder in the center of your fire pit.

4. Kindling. This is wood that’s slightly larger than tinder, usually a bit less than an inch in diameter. This will burn easily and get your fire going. Make sure this is dry. Stack your kindling on top of the tinder in a “tepee” structure. Make sure to leave an opening on the side you’re going to light. Take your matches and light the firelighters.

5. Logs. Usually a few inches in diameter, this is the wood that will go on your fire last, that’ll build it up to the right size and keep it burning for awhile. Again, you’ll want to make sure this is dry before you use it. As the fire burns, you can gradually add logs and larger sticks.

6. Water. But make sure you have some water handy to put out the fire when you’re done. Only you can prevent forest fires. Always be watchful of small children and pets nearby, never leave your fire unattended. Be sure to put out your fire completely when you’re done!

Note that lighter fluid is nowhere on the list. It’s looked down on by many as dangerous, and frankly, you just don’t need it. At best, you’ll have some weird tasting marshmallows, and at worst, you could burn down your clothing or tent.

That’s it! You should have a roaring campfire in no time, and if you’ve remembered to save a few of those sticks, you can get your marshmallow roasting on.

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eco firelighters cubes and wood wool firelighters

Eco Firelighter Cubes Vs Wood Wool Firelighters

Woodabrix Natural Firelighters / admin

There is an abundance of products on the natural eco firelighter market nowadays. The main two options are firelighter cubes and wood wool firelighters. We would like to have a closer look at these two eco-friendly products and compare how they affect the environment.

What are Eco Firelighter Cubes made of?

Firelighter cubes are made from compressed sawdust and vegetable oil. That’s it, just two ingredients, no additives! The sawdust is a bi-product of wood manufacturing, like production of building timber, pallets, furniture and firewood. So, instead of being thrown away, the sawdust is turned into something useful and beneficial for both the wood manufacturer and the end consumer.

No paraffin or palm oil is used in firelighter production, therefore they are non-toxic, and consequently it is safe to store the cubes beside your food. Also, the use of vegetable oil means that when the firelighters are lit they do not give off the horrible petrol smell unlike the traditional petroleum-based firelighters. And this makes them ideal for cooking the food.

What are Wood Wool Firelighters made of?

Wood wool firelighters are made from the same products as the cube firelighters, but the manufacturing process is slightly different. Wood wool is a light, bio-degradable void fill made from shredded timber.

Lots of people have probably seen wood wool either in a hamper at Christmas or in a supermarket packed in a cheese and wine set. When used in packaging it is definitely 100% better than using polythene, polystyrene and plastic products. However, wood wool firelighters are made from compacted material, meaning there is a much greater amount of raw material required to produce those firelighters. Wood wool comes from shredding trees, which primary purpose is not to be used as a piece of furniture or building material, but rather a fire lighting aid.

Which one is better?

Similarly, both firelighters are made from natural products and are biodegradable. They are CO2 neutral and are safe to ignite, as they don’t flare up.

Burn from 8 to 20 minutes and do not dry out or lose their firepower, even after box opening. There is no unpleasant smell and they are not oily or greasy.

There are no petroleum products used in the production of both firelighters. No kerosene, paraffin wax, no formaldehyde nor added chemicals which makes them non-harmful if in contact with vegetation, plants and aquatic organisms.

Finally, if we are talking about price, then they are very similar.

So, which one to choose? You can weigh up all the pros and cons and decide for yourself based on your personal preferences.

For best natural eco-friendly firelighters go to: woodabrix.co.uk

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What Customers Think About Woodabrix Firelighters

Woodabrix Natural Firelighters / admin

People are creatures of habit, we don’t like change and are suspicious of anything new, but a little change can be actually good. Woodabrix Firelighters are very efficient, they don’t take up a lot of storage space and there’s virtually no mess.

Just have a look at these recent reviews by our customers who bought Woodabrix Natural Firelighters:

“Was a bit dubious when the box came and it was so small, but 2 firelighters used to light our chiminea and it works great, so really good value for money, no horrible smells and easy to store, also good for the environment. Will be using these from now on.”

“Honestly, I didn’t think it would burn like the traditional ones, but they were great and I was very surprised, burnt well, easy to light, no Chemical smell or residue, I have been converted…. 5 stars”

“I didn’t know what to expect but I have to say, these work brilliantly. They light very easily and just 2 or 3 cubes will light a full charcoal firebox in my BBQ. No nasty smells or flavour and also packaged in a small eco-friendly cardboard box with no plastic packaging. Good value as well. Highly recommended.”

“Great product – after years of using paraffin style, white firelighters, I tried these and will never go back. Burn hotter, for longer and do a much better job of lighting big lump of charcoal on a Kamodo bbq.”

“These are great firelighters. They have the consistency of a very thick hardboard. They burn slowly but constantly.

I use a flame torch to get them going as that really gets them fully alight quickly. Once lit, they stay alight well, and they soon had my barbecue charcoal burning nicely.

I use 5 at a time, so 96 is going to last me good few years.

A good ecologically sound way to get your barbecue going, they work really well and represent value for money.”

“Very pleased! Fires light first time, they light really easily. They smell so much better than the old style lighters. You only need a couple to light each fire so the box is going to last ages. Definitely will be purchasing again!!”

“I use these to light an old anthracite boiler and when I handed it to an engineer who was fixing it for me he criticized them. He got out some fuel drenched ones and I suggested testing them against each other. We did and these lasted longer and gave a stronger burn. Suffice to say after he closed his gaping mouth he admitted that he may have been wrong. Just because it’s an eco product doesn’t mean it’s substandard. These are first rate firelighters and I swear by them. Thanks!”

So, why don’t give them a go, what do you have to lose?

Note: based on the reviews by Woodabrix Customers at amazon.co.uk

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How To Light A Coal Fire with Eco Firelighters

Woodabrix Natural Firelighters / admin

While you probably know how to build a fire with firewood, you may find it a little challenging to light a coal fire. Here are some tips for lighting a coal fire with eco firelighters:

Always start with a clean fire grate.

Place two firelighters in the middle of the grate.

Build a small tower with kindling around the firelighters and light the firelighters.

Once the kindling is on fire try to fill the gaps with more kindling.

Now immediately throw a generous amount of solid fuel into the fire, so it covers the kindling and firelighters.

After that close the door and adjust the air controls to the required level.

No flames should be drawn up the chimney but the window should appear to be filled with flames.

DO NOT reduce the air flow to the point where the fire is being hampered. If needed keep adding more coal to the pile.

And now, the most important bit, pour a cup of tea, sit back in your favourite chair and get cosy.

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