Woodstove and Fireplace Safety tips

Posted On Wednesday February 20, 2019

In Ontario, wood stoves are a popular heating source. Before use, it is important for a homeowner to know how to safely operate solid fuel burning equipment. Below are important tips to ensure safe operation of woodstoves and fireplace use:

  1. Have your heating system and chimneys inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified service technician.
  2. Ensure all outside heating vents are not blocked.
  3. Ensure woodstoves, fireplaces and fireplace inserts are installed by a qualified technician according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  4. Always use a fire screen around the fireplace.
  5. Allow ashes from your woodstove or fireplace to cool before emptying them into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container outside.
  6. All homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage must have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed outside all sleeping areas.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services

What do insurance companies require when heating with a solid fuel-burning device?

  • WETT certificate - ensure that you get a WETT Certified Professional to inspect your newly installed woodstove or fireplace and provide you with a completed certificate.
  • Inspection – typically arrangements will be made for your insurance company’s loss prevention inspector to complete a visual inspection. If, during the course of the inspection, the inspector sees signs of concern, recommendations will be made for you to arrange for a WETT certified professional to come out and make any required changes.

What will an inspection be looking for?

  • Materials – are appropriate materials being used in and around your woodstove or fireplace? Items such as flooring, wall material, and insulation can be flammable and may not be appropriate for use near a woodstove or fireplace. There are specific materials that can be used, such as ceramic tiles, which will reduce the clearance required for the installation of your woodstove or fireplace.
  • Clearances - clearance requirements are also very important in the installation of your woodstove or fireplace. Installation in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions with proper dimensions and clearance of your materials will ensure fire safety. An example of this would be the height of the ceiling in relation to the stovetop.
  • Fuel - always use dry wood when burning wood in your woodstove or fireplace. Never burn wet wood. Ensuring that you have a properly working damper will assist in refueling the fire and ensuring flame safety. Knowledge of the types of wood available to burn will help ensure the efficiency of your woodstove or fireplace. For example, birch wood burns hot and fast while ash wood burns hot, long and steady.
  • Maintenance – an inspector will ask if you have yearly inspections of your woodstove to ensure safety and compliance. Creosote builds up inside your chimney and can create a hazardous situation. It is highly flammable and may spark a fire within your chimney. Cleaners in the form of ‘cleaning logs’ or liquid spray can be purchased to help remove creosote.

These are just a few of the areas to consider when heating with solid fuel. Stay warm and safe!