There was an article in the NY Times today about burning wood in a fireplace. Nothing really of value that everyone here doesn't already know from reading these message boards. However, there was a quote from Ashley Eldridge, director of education for the Chimney Safety Institute of America, and Bob Fish, who owns Vermont Master Chimney Sweeps in Londonderry.
From the article: Both he (Eldridge) and Mr. Fish are quick to dispel a myth about which woods burn best. “Burning soft woods and creating too much creosote is an old wives’ tale.” Mr. Fish said. Mr. Eldridge further explained: “Because of pine’s inherently resinous nature, people think tar will remain in the chimney. The truth is, pine is great for starting a fire because that pitch is often flammable. It will light up very quickly, so if you’ve got a larger fire, it makes an ideal kindling. Whereas a piece of hickory, because of its density, it’s not going to go off when you put a match to it.”
Here's a link to the article:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/01/11/travel/escapes/11your.html?scp=1&sq=waking+up+an+idle+hearth
From the article: Both he (Eldridge) and Mr. Fish are quick to dispel a myth about which woods burn best. “Burning soft woods and creating too much creosote is an old wives’ tale.” Mr. Fish said. Mr. Eldridge further explained: “Because of pine’s inherently resinous nature, people think tar will remain in the chimney. The truth is, pine is great for starting a fire because that pitch is often flammable. It will light up very quickly, so if you’ve got a larger fire, it makes an ideal kindling. Whereas a piece of hickory, because of its density, it’s not going to go off when you put a match to it.”
Here's a link to the article:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/01/11/travel/escapes/11your.html?scp=1&sq=waking+up+an+idle+hearth
