[Integrityrocks]

I have to admit this post made me laugh. I guess I've just lived in Alaska too long. To think there are people who "don't" know how to build a good hot fire is foreign to us. Wood stoves, fireplaces, burn piles, smoke houses, wood furnances... just a way of life here and you get "fire-building and wood-hauling duty" beginning around age 8. That said; forget about the grate and just put two of your sticks on the bottom about a foot apart, opposite of the direction you are piling your kindling. Sticks should be about an inch and a half diameter.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Finally! An expert on the subject! :)

[jwalsh07]

That said; forget about the grate and just put two of your sticks on the bottom about a foot apart, opposite of the direction you are piling your kindling. Sticks should be about an inch and a half diameter.

Same here. Half an hour later I replace the kindling with some split wood and voila, forced hot air.

[AnalogReigns]

I would wager 90% in the lower 48, particularly in the
South, really do not know how to build a good fire, particularly in a fireplace. Otherwise fireplace grates would not be so common...