Why won't our wood burner get going?

[hethmar]

Its the thermal shock that often causes the worse problems after a chimney fire. Still, better than the house burning down, eh.

But it is so surprising how daft some people can be. They wouldnt run a car on the wrong fuel, in the wrong gear or not have it serviced, but they think their chimney needs no care at all.

[Chimney Sweep]

Mostly I find it a case of its cheap so it must be burnt, any old bit of wood will do, some people amaze me how they know best.