[Phantom]

Here's one for you all --

Ever get a batch of wood that really isn't seasoned?

You dutifully through it in the fireplace add the starter log or whatever (kindling) and from that moment on your fighting to keep the flame/fire going cuz the wood --hissing and spewing -- really wasn't dry!! Well you obviously can add more kindling, or add drier logs if your lucky enough to have them around -- Another trick I use is to always have the 2 hour Duraflame logs handy!! Light one up, nestle it at the back of the grate and cover it with the garbage wood you dragged in and Voila -- 9 out of 10 times it burns away creating enough hot ash that subsequent additions of logs burn fine.

I make a point to get the 2 hour logs versus the more common 4-hour -- it's a cost per fire thingy (twice as many of 2 hours per box versus 4 hour at the same price -- about $17/ box here in MA)