Couperman Posted January 20, 2009 Author Share Posted January 20, 2009 We are up and running! I bought a cast iron fire basket from b&q along with a fire guard. I couldn't find an ash pan of a suitable size so a roasting dish is doing that job The coal man has just been and delivered our new bunker and 1/4 tonne of smokeless fuel, that should last us for a bit. Yesterday we had a novelty night in front of the fire toasting marshmellows and bread and generally burning stuff like a pair of big kids at scout camp Of course I couldn't resist lighting the fire again whilst waiting for the coal man I think it's grate if you excuse the pun! I wouldn't fancy having to rely on it as the only source of heating mind. I am a bit unsure what to do if you need to go out in a hurry, I reckon a bucket of water might make a mess Any ideas? I was thinking of having a metal plate made to fit over the fire opening to starve it of air when necessary. Kev. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 Unfortunately it's not enclosed and leaveable like a stove, but I'd riddle it well to disperse the burning stuff then put the fire guard close against the hearth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 We put a fire guard up if we are not in the room and when we go to bed. A rug in front of the fire should also stop unexpected burns to the carpet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 good fireguard essential! and the rug.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms Marple Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 ditto the last two posts. Fireguard always useful in case it spits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 .....and when you go to bed, give the fire a good riddle,, top up with coal and coat thickly with ash. Put the guard in front and go to bed. Next day riddle again, top up & carry on as you were before...at least I think that's how it goes, it's a long time since I put a fire to bed !! Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 My Dad used to cover the embers (not a roaring fire) with slack (coal dust) before going to bed, it stayed gently glowing until morning, then you just build it up again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 A point of detail - I think what you need is a spark guard as opposed to a fireguard - much cheaper, and it's shaped to fit closely to the fire. It's designed to stop sparks flying out, rather than to stop children getting in! When I had an open fire I just used to put this on and go to bed - provided you have let the fuel burn down anyway, it should be safe enough to leave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 We have an open fire in our new house I love it. The landlords provided a spark guard but i made sure i bought a rug just incase! We tend to only have it lit at night and riddle it well before we go to bed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperman Posted January 22, 2009 Author Share Posted January 22, 2009 A point of detail - I think what you need is a spark guard as opposed to a fireguard - much cheaper, and it's shaped to fit closely to the fire. It's designed to stop sparks flying out, rather than to stop children getting in! When I had an open fire I just used to put this on and go to bed - provided you have let the fuel burn down anyway, it should be safe enough to leave. Yes it is a spark guard we have got. We have a new problem now. If the embers are glowing a bit too much it sets off the burglar alarm. It happened twice last night Kev. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkshire Pudding Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 Never heard that one before! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 We have a new problem now. If the embers are glowing a bit too much it sets off the burglar alarm. It happened twice last night Kev. Have you got heat as well as motion sensors? I think burglar alarms are more trouble than they are worth. I disabled mine when a passing fly passed one of the motion sensors when I was a work and set off the whole thing, the neighbours weren't very impressed Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minnie the Moocher Posted January 22, 2009 Share Posted January 22, 2009 Your neighbours will soon get the hang of it. As soon as they see smoke curling out of your chimney, in will go the ear plugs and they'll sleep like babies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
