BURN SMART - Part 2

Burn safely.

When using your woodburning appliance, follow these guidelines for safe operation:

• Keep flammable items away from your appliance such as curtains, furniture, newspapers and books.
• Only use newspaper, dry kindling and all-natural or organic fire starters. Never start a fire with gasoline, kerosene, or charcoal starter.
• Do not burn wet or green (unseasoned) wood.
• Many wax and sawdust logs are made for open hearth fireplaces only. Consult your appliance’s operating instructions before using artificial logs.
• If you can use them in your appliance or you have an open-hearth fireplace, only burn manufactured logs made from 100% compressed sawdust.
• Build hot fires. For most appliances, a smoldering fire is not safe or efficient.
• Keep the doors of your woodburning appliance closed unless loading or stoking the live fire. Harmful chemicals, like carbon monoxide, can be released into your home.
• Regularly remove ashes into a covered, metal container. Store the container outdoors on a non-flammable surface.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
• Check your local air quality forecast before you burn.