When in a case your firewood moisture content is above 20%, it needs to be stored correctly for it to dry out. This is known as seasoning.
Dry wood burns more efficiently than unseasoned green wood and reduces environmental impact.
How you choose to store your firewood, never stack your wood next to your fireplace, chances are it may ignite. There have been a few instances where firewood stored next to a stove have ignited and resulted in fire damage to the property.
Outdoor Storage
– Firewood is often kept outside to allow it to naturally season, so it may seem natural to store bags of firewood open to elements. But when handled incorrectly, even polythene bags can rip and tear. Firewood stored in poor conditions will re-absorb moisture and deteriorate, eventually the logs may start decomposing.
– Bags don’t have to be closely covered as this will lead to sweating
– Do not store firewood on moist ground
– Do not store bags of firewood open to the elements
– Bags should be protected from direct rain
– Ensure firewood is kept off the ground possibly stored on a pallet
– Allow air to circulate, a pallet will let air flow beneath it
Indoor Storage
Ready to burn logs are already low in moisture and more readily catch alight. Placing logs or other combustible material too near to heat sources may cause them to ignite.