A log burner can be an asset to the home and a focal point to any room. However, like anything that produces a flame, a log burner carries a slight risk of fire.
However, you can pretty much eradicate this fire risk by careful maintenance of the wood burner and chimney.
Here we go through the key things you can do to keep you and your home safe.
How to Minimise fire risk from your log burner
Chimneys
According to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, there are around 7,000 chimney fires a year in England alone.
Many of these fires are to do with poor maintenance of chimneys. Regular inspections and chimney sweeps will keep ventilation ways open, free of detritus and safe.
Other reasons for chimney fires include:
Improper sized appliance – usually from unregistered wood burner installers. Always make sure you use well-qualified, well-recommended installers – like ELBFireplaces.co.uk.
Burning unseasoned damp wood – Timber needs to be seasoned for a minimum of twelve months. A hollow sound when tapped together and cracks in the makeup of the logs all indicate the dryness you need for safe wood burning. You can also buy electronic tools that can measure the moisture levels within timber logs.
Overnight burning for long periods of time – Wood burners are designed to be used for a certain amount of time, not continuously for days. Make sure you don’t overuse your burner.
Some handy contact details
For a safe installation, find a competent installer and service company for your wood burner on the website of government-approved HETAS – the official body for biomass and solid fuel heating appliances, fuels and services (ELB Fireplaces are on there!)
Find your chimney sweep by visiting NACS – the National Association of Chimney Sweeps.
Book a home safety check with your local fire service. Your local fire station will be happy to fire free smoke alarms for anyone aged over 65 or anyone in rented accommodation.
If you have any questions regarding the safety of your woodburner, please contact ELB Fireplaces here, and we’ll be happy to help.
