Fireplace 101

How can something that seemed so simple get so complicated?
I have come to the conclusion I will never pass in keeping a fireplace burning.

I have learned that there are many factors involved. This has come to my attention only by trail and error. Much of my time is spent in front of the fireplace. More time than I want to admit.

Factors are:
Type of fuel- dry wood, wet wood, hard wood, soft wood, size of wood.
How to ignite- lighter, lit news paper, cardboard, junk mail, anything that will burn.
Oxygen- open door, open damper, out door wind, my wind and haven't tried vacuum exhaust yet.
Heat- cold fireplace/flue, warm fireplace/flue, hot fireplace/flue.

The combination of any or all of the above is getting to be more than I want to deal with.

Then comes the work involved in putting it all together. The clean up.

However there is that feeling of satisfaction when the plan does come together and we can just sit back and watch the fire. It makes it all worth while.