Burning Wet Wood? You’re Literally Playing with Fire. Here’s Why You Shouldn’t

Burning Wet Wood? You’re Literally Playing with Fire. Here’s Why You Shouldn’t

Picture this: It’s a cold winter night in Manitoba. You’ve got your wood stove fired up, a nice warm drink in hand, and you’re about to settle in for a cozy evening by the fire. But wait—did you just toss a wet log into the flames? If so, you might as well invite disaster over for dinner.

Why Wet Wood is Your Fireplace’s Worst Enemy

Burning wet wood isn’t just a frustrating experience; it’s also dangerous. When your logs are more waterlogged than a sponge, your fire is working double-time to try and evaporate that moisture instead of producing heat. It’s like trying to toast bread with a hairdryer. Spoiler alert: You’re not going to get the results you want.

Instead of warming your house, you end up with a smoldering mess that leaves behind an even bigger problem—creosote. It’s a sticky, tar-like substance that builds up inside your chimney like an unwelcome guest who overstays their welcome.

What’s Creosote, You Ask?

Ah, creosote. The sneaky byproduct of burning wood with too much moisture. Think of it as chimney cholesterol—it clogs up the works and, left untreated, can ignite into a full-blown chimney fire. That’s right, folks. Wet wood is not just bad for heat—it’s a fire hazard in disguise.

Creosote layers your chimney like a ticking time bomb, just waiting for the right spark to turn your cozy winter night into a full-blown inferno. And no one wants their evening to end with a visit from the local fire department.

But Dry Wood? That’s the Golden Ticket!

Now, let’s get serious about burning the right way. Dry wood is the hero your fireplace deserves. It burns brighter, hotter, and cleaner than wet wood. It’s the kind of wood that makes your fire crackle like it’s in a cozy cabin commercial. And—best of all—it keeps creosote to a minimum, reducing the risk of chimney fires.

How dry is dry enough? Ideally, you want your wood to have a moisture content below 20%. You can use a moisture meter (yes, they exist, and yes, they’re awesome) to check your logs before tossing them into the flames. If your wood is above that 20% mark, set it aside, let it season, and thank yourself later for avoiding a potential disaster.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Burn:

  • Stack ‘em right: Season your wood for at least six months. Split logs dry faster, so give them room to breathe by stacking them off the ground with plenty of airflow.
  • Cover, but don’t smother: Keep your woodpile covered to protect it from rain and snow, but leave the sides exposed so the air can circulate. The goal? Dry wood, happy fire.
  • Invest in a moisture meter: These nifty gadgets are a game-changer for firewood lovers. Think of it as a thermostat for your logs—except this one’s saving you from chimney trouble.

Let’s Wrap This Up (Before Your Chimney Does)

Burn right. Burn bright. Keep chimney fires out of sight. Follow these tips to make sure your wood-burning system is safe and efficient all winter long. And remember: dry wood is the way to go. If you’re not sure about the state of your system, it’s always best to have a certified WETT professional take a look.

 

Ready to Learn More?
Check out our Inspection Brochure to dive deeper into how WETT inspections can keep your home warm and safe this season.

Back to blog