The City of Yellowknife has shared a handful of fire safety tips specifically focused on wood burning appliances.
Wood burning appliances can make an enormous difference in heating one’s home, but they also introduce several other factors that can cause problems if they are not attended to properly.
First, it can help to know what model of wood stove is installed in the home. Wood stoves are not all built the same, and certain models are built to maximize combustion efficiency, meaning that they will produce more heat while consuming less wood. Other stoves are built in ways that reduce the buildup of creosote, which is a common cause of chimney fires.
Make sure the stove is placed in a safe location, away from ant materials that could catch fire. Stoves should be placed at least one metre away from all walls and furniture. This will also help with air circulation around the stove.
Make sure the stove is being fed the proper fuel. Certain types of wood burn better than others. Seasoned wood, like maple, beech, ash, hickory, and oak, burn the most efficiently and produce less creosote. Refrain from throwing green wood, cardboard, and general trash into the stove, as this can lead to an increased buildup of creosote.
When cleaning a wood stove, make sure all ashes are cool before attempting to shovel them out. Have the ashes placed in a non-combustible container. Keep the ashes stored outdoors until they are ready to be disposed of. Check the stove for any cracks or leaks along the door, body, and chimney.
Additional fire safety advice for the home can be found on the City of Yellowknife Website.
