FIREWOOD AND BURNING TIPS

always ensure there are no fire bans in your area.
check out www.albertafirebans.ca
Burn clean, well-seasoned Firewood that has been split and dried properly.
CUT WOOD TO THE RIGHT LENGTH FOR YOUR STOVE.
Don't let a small spark ignite a big blaze.
Ensure you have A properly fitted screen around your fireplace. A decorative screen MAY not provide protection.
Don’t burning garbage, plastic, particleboard, plywood, or any other painted or treated wood. THEY release toxic chemicals building up creosote.
Remove ashes regularly.
new stove’s or fireplace’s should be professionally installed.
Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, as required by the National Fire Code of Canada, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Keep the fire hot and small. Feed it regularly with split wood and never let it smoulder.
Never overload your stove or fireplace.
Artificial logs contain paraffin which burns very hot. Do not burn more than one at a time.
Inspect chimney regularly for creosote build-up.
NEVER use fire starter like gasoline, kerosene, or similar fuels!

For easy burning of any size log ensure that the fireplace has a good hot bed of coals first.
Use 3 or 4 pieces of newspaper and LOTS OF KINDLING (use the bark and splinters or split a smaller piece of wood into 1” and 2” sizes). Put another section of newspaper crumpled on top before lighting. (It’s important to get a good draft or drawing situation in the firebox and chimney flue) Turn the fresh air fan on low if you have one.
Burn smaller pieces for 15 -20 minutes before adding large logS. For easier combustion criss-cross the logs when adding to the fire.
Open all dampers and fresh air supply sources fully when starting the fire. If the fireplace has glass doors leave them open a crack to start. This assists the drawing action of the fire and reduces the tendency for the fire to deposit smoke and creosote on glass doorS.
STOKE THE FIRE TO A BRISK BURN EVERY 15-20 MINUTES. Remember if you adjust air inlets to achieve longer burn time, this type of fire produces some smoke and creosote.
Do not leave the fireplace unattended when the doors are open.
DO NOT CLOSE DOWN THE DAMPER COMPLETELY. Most systems require a substantial supply of air not only for combustion and heating purposes but for cooling the outer shell of the unit as well.
Keep 6 or 7 sticks in the house to be ready for the next fire.