Cost of gas starter fuel vs. starter logs

[Paul]

In our fireplace at home (which works quite well) we usually run gas through a line into the fireplace for several minutes, to get the fire going. Of course, the stores would be more than happy to sell us starter logs for a buck or two each. Sometimes I wonder how much natural gas I am consuming when I run it for the first 5-10 minutes of a fire. I wonder if the fire starter logs aren't cheaper in the long run. Any takers on how much natural gas gets used up in 5 minutes?

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Pennies. Given the convenience, it would be foolish to buy starter logs. Factor in all the cost, such as the 50¢ or so a mile it costs to drive your car. OTOH, real men start fires with kindling. Gather up some blown down tree branches, twigs, scraps of lumber, etc. Once you've mastered fire starting you will be the king of the campfire.