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The heating season is upon us, and residents are reminded to use sound fire safety practises when it comes to the use of wood burning appliances.
Residents who burn wood as an alternate source of heat may benefit from the following tips, especially during this Holiday Season.
Burning
- Burn only clean, well seasoned wood
- Seasoned wood gives greater heat potential
- Seasoned wood produces less smoke and harmful smoke by-product
- Don't burn "green" wood
- It produces much more smoke
- It produces more buildup of creosote which causes many serious chimney fires
- "Smouldering" type fires from improper firing techniques can increase smoke projection and creosote buildup
- Never burn garbage, plastic, painted or treated woods
- They are fire hazards
- They produce toxic smoke & chemicals
- They can cause serious damage to your wood burning appliance
- Proper storage of wood is always very important
- Well seasoned wood gives greater heat potential
- It produces less smoke & the harmful by-products of smoke
- Ashes should be stored in a covered metal container and placed away from the side of your home or other combustibles.
Click Here for More On Ashes
Safety Measures
- Every home should have working smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas
- If using fossil burning fuels, the home should also have a working carbon monoxide detector
- A 5-pound ABC portable fire extinguisher is a great safety appliance to have in your home
Chimney
- Chimneys that have wood stoves and/or wood furnaces connected to them should be checked regularly to be sure they are clean, especially in spring and fall.
Installation
- Check out the newer, high efficiency & EPA stoves
- They burn much cleaner
- They produce less toxic smoke
- They cut emissions by 90%
- They burn 1/3 less wood
- If you are having a wood stove or furnace installed, ensure you use a WETT certified installer
- Ensure all clearances from combustibles are adhered to
- Ensure your make proper use of protective devices such as screens, floor coverings, hearths
Links
For more information on wood burning, as well as information on locating WETT certified professionals, check the following websites:
WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) - http://www.wettinc.ca
For More Information: 490-5546
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