What to Burn in a Fireplace or Wood Stove—and What to Avoid
Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to burn specific fuels safely and efficiently. Burning garbage, treated lumber, painted wood or other unsuitable materials can release hazardous smoke, damage the appliance and contribute to dangerous creosote accumulation.
For most residential wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, the appropriate fuel is clean, dry and properly seasoned firewood. Always follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions because permitted fuels can vary between fireplaces, wood stoves and pellet appliances.
What Wood Is Best for a Fireplace or Wood Stove?
Use clean, dry firewood that has been split, stacked and seasoned before burning. Properly seasoned wood burns hotter, produces less smoke and generally creates less creosote than green or wet wood.
Good firewood commonly shows the following characteristics:
- The ends may contain visible cracks or checks.
- The wood feels relatively light for its size.
- The cut surface appears dry rather than freshly exposed or damp.
- Two pieces may create a sharper, hollow sound when struck together.
- The bark may loosen as the wood dries.
- A moisture meter indicates that the wood is sufficiently dry.
Health Canada recommends using dry, seasoned wood that has been cut, split and stacked in a dry area for at least six months.
Hardwood or Softwood?
Both hardwood and softwood can be suitable when they are clean and properly seasoned.
Softwoods such as pine and fir generally ignite quickly and can be useful for starting a fire. Denser hardwoods such as maple and oak typically burn longer once the fire is established.
The moisture condition of the wood is generally more important than whether it is classified as hardwood or softwood. Wet hardwood may burn less efficiently than properly seasoned softwood.
How to Store Firewood
Firewood should be split and stacked where air can circulate around it. Protect the top of the pile from rain and snow while leaving the sides reasonably open for ventilation.
Keep large quantities of firewood outside and away from the building. Bring only a limited amount indoors for immediate use to reduce moisture and pest concerns.
Firewood should not obstruct the required clearances around a fireplace, stove, chimney connector or other heat-producing equipment.
What Should Never Be Burned?
Do not burn the following materials in a residential fireplace or wood stove:
- Painted, stained or chemically treated wood.
- Pressure-treated lumber.
- Plywood, particleboard, fibreboard or oriented strand board.
- Wood containing glue, laminate or manufactured coatings.
- Household garbage.
- Plastics, foam, rubber or synthetic fabrics.
- Glossy or heavily coloured paper.
- Cardboard and packaging materials.
- Wet, rotten, diseased or mouldy wood.
- Ocean driftwood.
- Dryer lint.
- Liquid fuels or fire-starting accelerants.
These materials may release harmful pollutants, create excessive smoke or deposit corrosive and combustible residue inside the appliance and chimney.
Never Use Accelerants to Start a Fire
Do not use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter, solvents or other flammable liquids to start or revive an indoor fire.
Ottawa Fire Services recommends starting fires with paper and small pieces of dry kindling. Follow the appliance manufacturer’s lighting instructions and maintain suitable airflow while establishing the fire.
Why Wet Firewood Is a Problem
Green or wet wood burns at a lower temperature because much of the fire’s energy is used to evaporate moisture.
This can result in:
- Difficulty starting or maintaining the fire.
- Excessive smoke.
- Reduced heat output.
- Dark deposits on fireplace glass.
- Faster creosote accumulation.
- Increased chimney-fire risk.
A moisture meter can help evaluate split firewood. Test a freshly exposed interior surface rather than the outside of the log.
What Is Creosote?
Creosote is a combustible residue that can accumulate inside chimneys and flue systems when wood smoke cools and condenses.
Smouldering fires, wet firewood, restricted airflow and low flue temperatures can contribute to faster buildup. Significant deposits can ignite and cause an intense chimney fire.
The chimney and flue should be inspected and cleaned regularly in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations from a qualified chimney professional.
Can Manufactured Fire Logs Be Burned?
Manufactured fire logs should only be used where the fireplace or appliance manufacturer permits them. Some products are intended for open fireplaces and may not be suitable for enclosed wood stoves or fireplace inserts.
Follow the fire-log manufacturer’s directions and do not break apart, combine or add extra logs unless specifically permitted.
Pellet Stoves Require the Correct Fuel
Pellet appliances should only use the pellet type and grade specified by the manufacturer. Ordinary firewood, corn, garbage or improvised fuels should not be placed in a pellet stove unless the appliance was specifically designed and approved for that fuel.
Safe Fireplace and Wood-Stove Operation
- Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
- Burn small, hot and well-established fires rather than prolonged smouldering fires.
- Maintain required clearances from combustible materials.
- Use a suitable fireplace screen or keep stove doors properly closed.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces.
- Maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Have the appliance and chimney inspected regularly.
Dispose of Ashes Safely
Embers can remain hot long after a fire appears extinguished. Place ashes in a covered metal container and store the container on a non-combustible surface at a safe distance from the house, garage, deck and other structures.
Do not place ashes in cardboard boxes, plastic containers or household garbage until they are completely cold.
What Can a Home Inspection Identify?
A residential home inspection may identify visible concerns involving the fireplace, wood stove, chimney, hearth, clearances and accessible venting components.
The inspection does not include dismantling the appliance, cleaning the chimney or certifying the installation. Where a wood-burning system is present, a specialized inspection by a qualified WETT professional may be recommended for insurance, safety or transaction purposes.
Official Wood-Burning Safety Information
Additional guidance is available from:
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Call 819-962-5880 or email info@inspec-pro.ca.