A reader in Orewa recently sent us a tip for lighting and controlling fires. We have now been able to test the theories well enough to assert that it works.

We cannot confirm if the method saves around 70% of ‘normal’ wood use, but we will be monitoring and testing that over the remainder of the winter.

If it is the case that the method uses far less fuel as a result of efficient combustion, then it is certainly a further step towards conserving our resources.

Essentially you need to throw out of the window everything you learned about lighting fires.

To begin the process, clear your fire box of all left over ash and charcoal and stack with your biggest logs, as closely spaced as possible, on the bottom.

 On top of them place a layer of smaller ones, then on top of them some kindling, and then the paper.

It is suggested fire-starters are mixed with the kindling, but a good ‘catch’ will depend more on the condition of your timber, and has not been necessary with our tests so far. Then light the paper.

Most times this will start combustion of the pile from the top down, but once or twice it has been found necessary to add more paper.

Packing the paper too tightly for example can prevent the flames spreading.

Thereafter it is a matter of adjusting the air flow either by vents or the door, to keep the fire going.

When it is alight, it has been found possible to turn the ventilation right down, and let the fire get on with it.

The burning seems to be far more even than with a ‘conventionally’ lit and managed fire, though presumably the quality of timber and the way it is stacked will have an impact.

The fire ‘grows’ downwards as the embers spread, and combustion does seem to be far more efficient than normal.

At the first trial there was, as claimed, far less ash than would be normal from the burning of five or six large mixed logs.

One disadvantage Rural Living noticed, was that the fire heated up much more slowly.

So the speed with which you can boil a kettle for instance is not as good, but once the fire is alight its warmth and burning seem far more consistent and even.

The reader who sent us the suggestion pointed out that fires lit from the bottom tend to ‘choke’ themselves with ash.

Although great roaring pyramids can easily be created in the conventional way, undeniably they do result in great piles of ash – at least useful in the garden.

This method does offer promise with regard to steady temperatures and (possibly) fuel efficiency.

There are claims for less smoke, and also suggestions that the ash is actually flying up the chimney rather than collecting!

Readers will have to experiment, and Rural Living would be delighted to hear from anyone with a fool-proof method for re-fuelling this kind of fire.

It will last three-five hours depending on your timber, but how do you refuel from the bottom?

That does seem to be a weakness in the system.

Experimentation with this system, using smaller logs produces differing results. It may well use less timber, but at least a season’s trial will be needed to verify.

The fire does take longer to get hot, so if you use a wetback your water may only be lukewarm when you want it.