Chicago - January 11, 2006

Firing Range

Chicago Firewood

When man discovered fire, it was a huge deal. Bonfires. Dancing. Late-night light.

Since then it’s all been sort of downhill. Pick up a bundle of soggy, shrink-wrapped wood at the corner store, light a match, bust out the marshmallows. Woo hoo.

Chicago Firewood changes all that. Tucked away at the south end of Kingsbury (past the industrial lofts and strip clubs), the chain-link fence stacked with lumber and more lumber marks the spot. Drive in, pop your trunk, and load it up.

But these are no ordinary logs. It’s a special mix of eight kinds of wood, including oak, honey locust, ash, and maple.

Don’t want to mess with left-behind chips and scraps? Not a problem. For $29 they’ll deliver the goods to your home — and even stack it for you.

Now that should light your fire.

Chicago Firewood, 1300 North Halsted Street, at Kingsbury Street (312-335-9696).