Reducing smoke from chimneys

[Timelord]

Using smaller pieces of dry seasoned hardwood like Oak, on top of the initial kindling, will burn hotly. You can always feather the edges to make the oak catch more quickly. Other hardwoods are also suitable for this. Firs should also go up well due to the resin in the wood. You could also try using "meths" as a smokeless accelerant.. Pine cones catch well and give a red hot glowing coal very quickly. A few of these added to the initial fire will help concentrate the heat - especially if in a reduced confined area as Steve suggests. Regards, TL