Free template · updated November 3, 2026

Wood fireplace instructions for guests (template)

An open wood fireplace is cosy, but it's less forgiving than a stove. The most common mistake is lighting a fire with the damper closed, which fills the room with smoke in seconds. The second is closing the damper too early, while embers are still smouldering.

This template gives guests the damper step first, a simple way to light a fire, the screen and ash rules and what to do if smoke comes back into the room.

The template

Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

Before you light it

Open the damper: [Where the handle is and which way is open, e.g. pull the chain on the left until it clicks].
Check you can feel a draft or see daylight up the chimney.
Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms: [Alarm locations].
Move the rug, cushions and anything that can burn well back from the hearth.

Lighting the fire

Put two scrunched sheets of newspaper on the grate, then kindling across them.
Add two or three small logs on top, loosely stacked.
Light the paper. Keep the fire small to start; a big fire can push smoke into the room.

While it's burning

Please keep the screen [closed / in front of the opening] at all times.
Add one log at a time. Use the dry firewood from [Firewood location].
Please don't burn paper bags, cardboard, wrapping paper, trash or treated wood, and never use lighter fluid.
Never leave the fire burning when you go out or go to bed.

Putting it out

Let the fire burn down. Spread the embers with the poker so they cool faster.
Leave the damper open until the fire is completely out and the ashes are cold.

Ashes

Please put ashes only in the metal bucket with a lid at [Bucket location], then set the bucket outside on the ground, away from the house and deck. They stay hot for days.

If something goes wrong

Smoke coming into the room: check the damper is fully open, open a window nearby and text [Host name] at [Host phone].
Smoke or CO alarm, or a fire outside the fireplace: get everyone outside and call [Local emergency number].

Tips

Put the damper step first and add a photo of the open position.
Keep a sturdy screen in front of the opening, and say it stays there while the fire burns.
Fit a carbon monoxide alarm in the room with the fireplace.
Leave small, dry split wood; damp or huge logs smoke and frustrate guests.
Have the chimney inspected and swept regularly, especially before the cold season.

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Questions

Why does my fireplace smoke into the room?

Usually the damper is closed or only partly open, the chimney is cold or the wood is damp. A small fire to start, dry wood and a cracked window nearby usually help.

When can you close the fireplace damper?

Only when the fire is completely out and the ashes are cold. Closing it early can push smoke and carbon monoxide into the room.

Can guests use a wood fireplace overnight?

It's safest to let it burn down and never leave it going while everyone is asleep or out. Say so in the instructions.

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