Firewood is a great way to keep your home cozy in winter or set the mood for an evening by the fireplace. But safety matters. Splitting, stacking, and burning wood all come with risks if you’re not prepared. These tips will help you avoid common problems and enjoy your firewood safely.
1. Choose the Right Wood
Not all wood is equal. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple burn longer and cleaner than softwoods. If you’re purchasing wood, look for seasoned logs with a moisture content below 20%. Wet or green wood produces more smoke and creosote buildup.
2. Stack Firewood Safely
Piling logs haphazardly can lead to falling stacks and insect infestations. Stack firewood off the ground—using pallets or a simple wood rack—and keep it at least a few feet from your home’s exterior walls. This protects against pests like termites and reduces the chance of moisture damage.
3. Keep It Dry
Proper storage goes a long way in preventing mold and rot. You can cover the top of your woodpile to protect it from rain or snow, but leave the sides open for airflow. Good ventilation keeps the wood dry and helps it burn more efficiently when you’re ready to use it.
4. Watch for Pests
Spiders, ants, and even small rodents love piles of wood. Regularly inspect your stack and brush off any insects or eggs. If you see signs of larger pests, consider relocating the woodpile further from the house or using sealed containers.
5. Wear Protective Gear
When you’re splitting or cutting wood, safety gear is your friend. Gloves, sturdy boots, eye protection, and hearing protection (especially with chainsaws) are worth it. A hard hat can also help if you’re cutting wood near branches or in wooded areas.
6. Inspect Your Fireplace or Stove
Before you light up that first fire of the season, check your fireplace or wood stove for any cracks, blockages, or damage. A creosote-coated chimney is a fire hazard. Scheduling an annual inspection and cleaning by a professional chimney sweep can prevent dangerous buildup.
7. Burn Smart
Never use accelerants like gasoline. They’re unpredictable and dangerous. Stick to kindling, newspaper, or commercial fire starters. Keep a screen or glass door closed when the fire is lit to prevent embers from escaping onto your floor. And always keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of sand nearby.
8. Mind the Carbon Monoxide
Burning wood produces carbon monoxide. Proper ventilation is crucial, especially if you’re using a wood stove. Make sure your home has working carbon monoxide detectors on every level. If they ever alarm or if you feel dizzy or nauseous around a fire, get fresh air immediately and call for help.
9. Allow Ashes to Cool
Hot embers can stay active for hours—even days—after the fire looks out. Let ashes cool completely before you scoop them into a metal container. Store that container outdoors, away from flammable materials. It only takes one stray ember to start an accidental blaze.
10. Don’t Overstuff the Fireplace
It might be tempting to toss in more logs to keep the fire going strong, but stuffing too much wood in can reduce airflow and cause more smoke or even flare-ups. Stick to a manageable number of logs and add more gradually as needed.