OK. finally got a fireplace to light, but only by having 3 logs in inventory AND 5 sticks. When adding the 5 sticks to the fireplace kit, an inventory action menu showed with 'add to fireplace kit'.

I have not seen a scroll action menu on an unlit fireplace kit that contains anything other than 'take fireplace kit' and 'detatch sticks' when approaching fireplace kit.

Once fireplace kit is upgraded to high slot count, everything behaves as expected. Tripod works, 8 stone stove works, I did not have a pot/water to test cooking, but ruining food and items works.