Wood Stoves

Is Your Wood Stove Safe?

Improperly installed and maintained wood stoves and fireplaces can lead to dangerous conditions that put you, your family, and neighbours at risk.

Follow the rules – When purchasing a new wood stove or fireplace insert, look for the mark of an accredited certification agency that ensures the product has been tested and meets established safety standards.

Check with the Township building department and obtain any necessary permits prior to installing a wood stove, fireplace insert, or chimney. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

The Ontario Fire Code requires homeowners to ensure that their home heating appliances and chimneys are safe. This requires periodic inspections and maintenance.

Tips for maintaining your wood burning appliance

Inspect and clean your chimney

Check your chimney and clear any obstructions at the start of the heating season, and make sure damper controls work properly to keep smoke and toxic gases from building up inside the home.
Check chimneys and flue pipes often for creosote and soot build-up and clean to prevent a chimney fire.
Your chimney may have problems you can’t see. If in doubt, consult a WETT (Wood Energy Technical Training) certified chimney sweep.

Cap it Off

Maintain an appropriate chimney cap on top of your chimney to protect against damage from rain or snow.
Spark screens should be inspected regularly to make sure smoke can vent properly.

Check Stove Pipes and Connections

Ensure all joints in flue pipes are securely fastened with at least 3 screws. Where flue pipes are joined together, the small (crimped) end should point toward the appliance.

Protect Floors and Walls from Heat and Sparks

Keep combustible materials a safe distance away from wood stoves and fireplaces.
Always use a properly fitting screen for your fireplace.
Consult a WETT certified chimney sweep if walls get too hot.

Burn Dry Wood

Burn properly dried well-seasoned wood to reduce the risk of excessive creosote build-up from inefficient burning or smoldering fires.
Store wood outdoors, stacked in an open area or shed away from the house or deck to provide good air flow that will assist drying.

Remove Ashes Safely

Allow ashes to cool fully before cleaning them from your fireplace or wood stove.
Use only metal, non-combustible containers to remove ashes from the appliance.
Take them outside immediately and store well away from buildings on a non-combustible surface.

Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms

All homes with fuel-fired appliances MUST have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm.

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Is Your Wood Stove Safe?

Tips for maintaining your wood burning appliance

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