Operating The Bis Ultra; Fuel; First Fires; Building A Fire - Security Fireplace BIS ULTRA EPA Installation Instructions Manual

OPERATING THE BIS ULTRA

Fuel

The BIS ULTRA is designed to work best when fueled with seasoned cordwood. Hardwoods are
preferred to softwoods since the energy content of wood is relative to its density. Hardwoods will
result in a longer burning fire and less frequent refueling. A moisture content of 15% to 20%
(seasoned) is recommended. Excessively wet wood will be difficult to burn and will result in lower
efficiency, increased creosoting and deposits on the glass and in the chimney. Excessively dry
wood will burn well but will also have higher emissions and shorter burning time.
Do not burn scrap or garbage, treated wood or wood such as driftwood from the ocean which has
been exposed to salt or other chemicals. Salt or chemicals can corrode the firebox and chimney. Do
not burn large amounts of paper, cardboard, Christmas tree branches or building construction
materials. Intense firing with these materials may overheat the fireplace, causing damage to the
unit, a fire or even possibly igniting a chimney fire if the chimney is creosoted.

First fires

Before using the fireplace make sure to remove the plastic wrapping on the doors. Remove all
remaining glue with mild soap.
The first 5 or 6 fires should be small fires of short duration (about 30 to 60 minutes). This will help
cure the refractory bricks. Ashes that will accumulate in the ashtray will protect it from intense
heat. The first fires may produce slight smoking due to drying of the paint and steel and any dust
accumulated on the fireplace will burn off at this time. It may set off a smoke alarm located in the
same room. For this reason the room should be well ventilated for the first few fires.

Building a fire

To start a fire, place several crumpled up balls of newspaper in the firebox. Place small dry pieces
of kindling on top of the paper, crisscrossing the kindling so that there are airspaces in between.
Keep the fuel far back enough so that air can get underneath. Open the air control fully and light
the newspaper. Once the newspaper is well ignited, close the doors. Once the kindling fire is well
established, cordwood can be added.
The unit will burn best with 2-3 pieces of cordwood spaced 1 to 2 inches apart and allowing air to
get under the fuel. Crisscrossing or arranging the fuel so that air can get underneath, will help the
fire to get started easily. The unit should be operated with the air control fully open long enough to
get the cordwood well ignited.
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