Helpful Hints
Having trouble starting your fire? Don't know the best way to store your firewood? That and more below in our helpful hints section
TIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE FIREWOOD PURCHASES
1. First check is your firewood coming from a licenced supplier
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Ensuring sustainable harvesting and disease prevention in the production process keeps our forests growing for the next generation
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FAA members are held to a strict code of conduct to supply seasoned firewood
2. Not all firewood is made equal​
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After the state government's decision to end commercial logging Western Australia's firewood has changed. At Bills Firewood we will continue to source jarrah to be the main part of our mix
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Density of the wood will decide burn time. Very dense wood isn't ideal as it doesn't ignite as easy, while wood like pine burns hot but very quickly.
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Ideally pick a timber which "coals up". A nice coal bed produces heat and helps get the next piece of wood going. We suggest a blend that incorporates a high jarrah proportion
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Our mix is designed to incorporate the best of both
3. OPTIONS ​
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Most reputable yard will have many options. Spit wood size, pick up or delivery and multiple payment options (careful if someone insists on cash)
4.Scams​
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unfortunately in todays world scammers are every where. Be aware of the tell tale signs and if unsure and can't verify identity don't transfer payment
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The black market for firewood has grown over the past years. As Jarrah becomes harder to get more "weekend warriors" are stealing wood from state forests to make a quick buck on the side. While this may offer a cheap option the damage created by these activities greatly harms the forest. With no regard for disease control or animal habitat retention, buying this source of timber only increases the damage being done.
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All our firewood comes from either sustainable ecological designed programs or from private plantations. The money we pay for the logs goes back into keeping the forests healthy for future generations.
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FIRE LIGHTING
Ok starting with the basics- Lighting the fire Start by placing a firelighter at the center of the firebox. Over the firelighter, arrange your kindling in the shape of a teepee or a grid. This structure is crucial as it allows airflow while catching flame from the burning firelighter below. Make sure it’s not too tightly packed—oxygen must circulate to build the fire.Now comes the moment to transform your preparation into a blazing warmth. Light the firelighter. As the firelighter burns, it should ignite the kindling above. Keep the stove door slightly ajar to provide the necessary oxygen that will encourage your fire to grow. Patience is key during this stage; resist the temptation to constantly open the door or fiddle with the kindling, as this can actually disrupt the fire’s development. Once the kindling is alight start to add smaller blocks of firewood.
CHOPPING/SPLITTING FIREWOOD
Wherever you plan to do your work, set up a chopping block—consisting of either a large, level tree stump or a similarly short and wide chunk of wood. A good solid chopping block does make a huge difference. Next find the weak spots in your log, points where the wood naturally wants to split, and strike at these first for an easier cut. For example, cracks that radiate from the center are an optimal place to start. If there aren’t any weak spots, the best strategy is to split with the grain (the rings/lines going around the ring. It is easier to split along these than trying to go straight across the middle. Now always remember to wear appropriate safety equipment and work in a safe environment. Ok time to try, it's not all about strength, being able to hit in the same spot or work down a line is just as important. The more practice the better you will get.
STORING FIREWOOD
While not everyone will have a premium storage area like this, any structure or tarp to keep the rain off will keep your firewood in optimal condition.Tips for storing firewood at home:
Choose the right location: Select a spot that is dry and well-ventilated.
Use a firewood rack or stand: Elevate the firewood to prevent moisture absorption from the ground.
Keep firewood covered but ventilated: Use a cover to protect it during wet or snowy conditions.
Rotate your firewood: Use the oldest wood first to ensure freshness.
If none of these tips are possible for your entire stockpile, it is best to store at least a weeks worth is keep out of the rain and rotated when used