Tips on Preventing Potential Hazards from Wood Burners

Wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves continue to grow in popularity, and with as efficient and beautiful as they are, there are some safety risks that homeowners should be aware of when operating these gorgeous heating appliances. An understanding of safety should be a priority, to avoid hazardous fires caused by wood burners. Statistics show that fires caused by wood-burning appliances in the U.S. are associated with approximately 2,500 injuries and 280 deaths annually. Needless to say, special attention must be paid to these risks on a regular basis. The following tips and information will help you to ensure the safe operation of your wood-burning appliance.

Common Wood Burner Hazards

The following points are among the leading causes of fires associated with wood-burning:

  • Chimney obstructions cause many fires every year. It is dangerous to light a fire in a fireplace or wood stove without knowing whether the chimney has been properly maintained and is clear of blockage.
  • An excess build-up of creosote is among the causes of chimney obstructions, but that isn’t the only reason to keep your chimney clean. Creosote is highly flammable. A spark from the fire could ignite the creosote in your chimney lining and cause a hazardous chimney fire. Chimney fires are intense blazes that can quickly spread to the house, sometimes leaving the occupants insufficient time to safely escape.
  • When a wood burner is not installed with proper clearance from combustible materials, such as the floor, walls, furniture, and ceilings, the result can be a dangerous fire.
  • The chimney is either incorrectly installed or improperly maintained.
  • The appliance is not installed, maintained, or operated according to instructions provided by the manufacturer.

More About Clearances

Some insurance companies will not cover fires caused by wood burning appliances if they are not professionally installed. Proper installation can help to ensure safe use and optimal performance of a wood-burning appliance.

One of the most important installation aspects is clearance to combustibles. The spacing should follow manufacturer’s required distances. Non-combustible materials required safety distance can be reduced with approved heat shields protected walls. Your wood-burning appliance Installation Manual will provide the best methods to reduce the minimum clearances to combustible materials.

We reiterate the importance of following the manufacturer’s instructions and to seek professional expertise to ensure a safe installation compliant with all relevant Codes and Regulations.

Wood Stove Safety Tips

Are you eager to enjoy your wood stove with peace of mind ? Read carefully the following recommendations.

  • Have a professional install your wood-burning appliance, particularly for the purpose of being sure the clearance between the stove and combustibles is adequate.
  • Wood stoves should always be placed on a fire-resistant, noncombustible base.
  • Have a professional inspect your chimney annually.
  • Burn only wood that has been properly dried or seasoned.
  • Safely dispose of ashes. A metal container with a lid should be used, and it should not be placed on a combustible surface or, for instance, on the back porch. Place the ashes away from the home, to give them adequate time to completely cool.Do not place your ash bucket on a combustible floor, even if it is on your outdoor patio.
  • If possible, avoid extending a stove pipe through a ceiling or wall.
  • Do not connect a wood stove to a chimney that is being used for another purpose, such as for another appliance.
  • Never start a fire with flammable liquids.
  • Do not burn trash in a wood stove because the result could be a chimney fire.

Below is a list of fireplace and grill stores that service Quebec (QC)

Bonaventure, QC

Marcel Dionne et fils Inc
338, av de Port-Royal Ouest,
Bonaventure, QC G0C 1E0

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Delson, QC

Agrémat – Espace chaleur
188, ch. St-François Xavier
Delson, QC J5B 1X9

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Gatineau, QC

Au Centre Du Foyer De L'Outaouais
1193 Boul St-Joseph
Gatineau, QC J8Z 2C3

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Laval, QC

Montréal Brique et Pierre
1070 Montée Masson
Laval, QC H7C 2R2

Longueuil, QC

Boutique Chaleur
620 Boul Therrien
Longueuil, QC J4H 3V9

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Mirabel, QC

Agrémat
13755 Rue de la Chapelle
Mirabel, QC J7J2C9

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Quebec City, QC

Maconnex
5690 Boulevard Pierre-Bertrand Nord
Quebec City, QC G2J 1B7

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Rimouski, QC

Marcel Dionne et fils Inc
905 Lausanne
Rimouski, QC G5L 8Y9

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Saguenay, QC

Maconnex
2223, boulevard Saint-Paul
Saguenay, QC G7K 1E5

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Saint-Basile-le-Grand, QC

Montréal Brique et Pierre
77 boul. Sir Wilfrid-Laurier
Saint-Basile-le-Grand, QC J3N 1M2

Saint-Eustache, QC

Montréal Brique et Pierre
28 Boul. Industriel
Saint-Eustache, QC J7R 5C1

Saint-Eustache, QC

Les Foyers Mirabel
415 avenue mathers
Saint-Eustache, QC J7P 4C1

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Saint-Hubert, QC

Montréal Brique et Pierre
3170 rue Harvey
Saint-Hubert, QC J3Y 3T6

Saint-Isidore, QC

Maconnex
2036, chemin de la Riviere
Saint-Isidore, QC G0S 2S0

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Saint-Lazare, QC

Montréal Brique et Pierre
550 Route Cité des Jeunes
Saint-Lazare, QC J7T2A7

Sherbrooke, QC

Maconnex
69, chemin Godin
Sherbrooke, QC J1R 0S6

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St-Bruno de Montarville, QC

Les Foyers et Cheminees Piermon Inc
2193 Boul Sir Wilfrid Laurier
St-Bruno de Montarville, QC J3V 4P6

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St-Charles Borromee, QC

Maison Chaleur et Confort
1060 Visitation
St-Charles Borromee, QC J6E 7Y8

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St-Georges, QC

Busque et Cie
2271, 90e Rue
St-Georges, QC G5Y 7B6

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St-Jean sur Richelieu, QC

Propane Beauchemin
775 rue Gaudette
St-Jean sur Richelieu, QC J3B7S7

Trois-Rivieres, QC

Boutique Chaleur
1015 boulevard Thibeau Nord
Trois-Rivieres, QC G8T 7B3

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Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC

Foyer Gaz
401 boul. Harwood, local 12b
Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC J7V 7W1


For more information, contact your local fireplace and grill store.

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