Various posters have made very good suggestions...

If you feel a cold draft coming down the chimney, light
a sheet of paper and hold it near the flue opening. This will help it heat
and reverse the direction of the airflow. Otherwise just light the paper.

Just a point in this one when starting from a cold stove.

Check for the direction of the draft *before* you start filling the firebox
with paper/kindling/split stuff. In case you do have to use the method
described above to get the draft going up the chimney, it might take a
try or two to get things flowing in the correct direction.

If the draft is coming down the chimney:
Roll up a regular sized newspaper sheet (the kind when spread out is about
24" x 26"-30") diagonally. With the damper fully open, if there is one,
light the rolled up newsprint on one end, and put it up the chimney. Keep
a hold on the other end of the roll. As the rolled paper is burnt up, push it
up a bit more to keep the flame as high as you can get inside the chimney
flue.

Have second rolled up "tube" at the ready in case the first one is
consumed before the draft changes direction.

Depending on the force of the downward draft, and it appears to be a
function of the difference of the air temp inside and outside, it might
get a little smokey until the draft is going upwards.

By not having the firebox already filled with fuel, you get more
maneuvering ability during the reversal of the draft exercise, plus
removing the risk of the fuel starting in the firebox prematurely (ie,
the draft is still going in the wrong direction)

--
Think thrice, measure twice and cut once.

Sanding is like paying taxes ... everyone has to do it, but it is
important to take steps to minimize it.

There is only one period and no underscores in the real email address.



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