Wow! Great responses.

No fire tonight as I was busy with some errands. So I will take all this advice and try again tomorrow.

I think that I have not been patient enough and have been trying to get the big logs on the fire too soon. Also, I clearly have been smothering the fire and not providing enough space between the wood for it to breath. I will work on this. Just curious, how often should I be tending to the fire at first? When do I get to just walk away and leave it alone, once a big log gets going?

DotD: The wood was purchased at Home Depot as I was a little late getting a cord ordered and am now looking around for wood as everyone seems to be using their fireplaces to supplement the home heating. I do not think it was treated. It does say that it was kiln dried, so I thought it would be easy to light. I thought wrong!


Andy:

I have to say that you are the man! The pics really help to clarify size of the wood. Also, the pics show how loosely you place the wood together. I have been just sort of putting in one pile. Thanks Bro!