What you will need: 7 pieces of split and seasoned firewood, 10-15 pieces of kindling (enough kindling to burn for about 10 minutes), and a firestarter log or newspaper.
Start with the 7 pieces of firewood. Set the three largest pieces of wood as the base and set the next two largest pieces on top of the first logs, lying across the first three (it should look similar to the beginning of a log cabin), then arrange your kindling at 45 degree angles lying against the middle piece of firewood. Set your newspaper or firestarter in with the kindling and light. Let it burn for about 10 minutes while the kindling sets the logs on fire and then fuel with new firewood as needed.
Do I need kindling to start a fire?
Kindling is an essential part of building a fire in a fireplace. The kindling helps to transfer the flames from the firestarter, such as newspaper or firelighters, to the logs/firewood more effectively.
How should I store my firewood?
Stack your wood so the sides are mostly exposed to air, but the top is covered from rain. Always store your wood off the ground on a wood rack of some sort with a top cover, or store it in a shed, garage, lean-to, or other structure.