Where There's Smoke- Wood Stove Safety Tips for the Winter

Heating a home with wood makes sense in New Hampshire. A cord of hardwood at 20 percent moisture content equals about 115 gallons of home heating fuel. So, with current firewood prices at $200 to $225 per dry cord, the cost of heating with wood is comparable to oil.

Simple economics will likely prompt more people to supplement their winter heating with wood this year. But before firing up the wood stove, there are a few steps to take to help ensure a safe heating season.

It is important to burn only wood that has been cut, split and seasoned for at least six months. Ideally, a year is required for freshly cut and split firewood to drop from 80 percent (or higher) moisture content to 20 percent.

Firewood should be stacked at least 25 feet from the house and on pallets to ensure proper air flow and to reduce the risk of insect infestation.

Never treat firewood with pesticides, and never burn pressure-treated or painted wood, as the burning chemicals can release toxic fumes.

To protect your family and property during the coming winter, follow these important wood heating rules:

• Have your chimney and wood stove cleaned and checked every year. This will improve the efficiency of your wood stove as well as its safety. Homeowners should regularly check the stove during the heating season.

• When installing a wood stove, check with an expert to ensure proper installation. Often, local fire departments will inspect stove installation. Some communities may require a permit and an inspection.

• Inform your insurance company of the wood stove installation

• Stovepipe connections should be tight and held together with at least three sheet metal screws.

• Stovepipes should be short and straight and enter the chimney higher than the stove's outlet.

• Provide at least 36 inches of clearance between the wood stove and combustible surfaces or follow the manufacturer's instructions.

• Use the same clearance for draperies, furniture, Christmas trees or other decorations. Wet clothing should never be draped over a wood stove.

• Provide a screen so that children cannot reach the stove.

• Use only seasoned firewood. Green (wet) wood causes a buildup of potentially dangerous creosote.

• When cleaning ashes out of the wood stove, place the ashes in a covered metal container and set it outside on a dirt or concrete surface at least 36 inches from any combustibles. Never set a bucket of ashes on a deck.

• Make sure at least one fire extinguisher (with 1A:10B:C rating) is easily accessible.

• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home. Remember to change the batteries annually.

• Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home.

• Develop a family fire escape plan and practice it.

By Sarah Smith, ExtensionForest Industry Specialist and Tim Fleury, MerrimackCounty Extension Forester