Wood Stoves
Did you know?
Solid Fuel Burning Devices deposit creosote in pipes and chimneys - a fire hazard - these devices require careful maintenance, operation and regular cleaning.
A Checklist for Safety
Here is a quick review checklist of some helpful "do's" and "don'ts" if you use an alternative form of heating in your home.
DO
- Ensure that your equipment bears either a CSA or ULC label.
- Ensure that stipulated clearances for your stove and venting system have been adhered to (ie. fire code or manufacturer's clearances, whichever are greater.)
- Make sure your stovepipe is constructed of an approved material and that all horizontal sections incline upward from the stove at least one-quarter inch per foot.
- Locate fire extinguisher where it will be accessible in the event of a fire.
- Dispose of ashes in a covered metal container away from buildings.
- Clean and inspect all chimneys on a regular basis.
DON'T
- Burn trash in a wood stove.
- Use a stovepipe as a chimney.
- Use galvanized steel as a stovepipe for wood or coal appliances.
- Vent stove into a chimney also used to vent a central heat system.
- Use gasoline, lighter fluid, or other flammable liquid to start or rekindle a fire in your wood stove.
- Put anything combustible near the stove, even temporarily.
- Use coal in a wood-burning stove unless the manufacturer specifically says it's okay.
- Overload the stove with wood or use green wood.
- Use artificial logs which can create a fire that is too hot and which contain wax that can clog up the air inlet.
- Touch the stove to see if it is hot.
- Wear flowing clothing when you're near it.