Maine Fire Marshal’s Tips on How to Safely Use a Woodstove

The State Fire Marshal is providing reminders about woodstove safety after several recent house fires.

Maine Fire Officials Remind Residents of How to Use a Woodstove Safely

Maine fire officials expect more people will use alternative heat sources, like woodstoves and space heaters, this winter as they look for ways to avoid rising fuel costs.

But those heat sources have risks if they're not used properly.

READ MORE: Maine Fire Officials Say It's Important to Cover Your Ashes

Firefighters across the state have extinguished several fires believed to have started with combustibles near a woodstove.

So the State Fire Marshal has shared tips on woodstove safety.

Maine State Fire Marshal Advises Always Having a Professional Install a Woodstove

You can buy practically anything from Facebook Marketplace or other second-hand sites, but a woodstove needs special attention.

Whether you buy a woodstove from a store or a private citizen, professionals must install it.

This ensures the stove is far enough away from the wall and is properly vented.

Maine Fire Officials Say Ashes Should Be Kept in Metal Containers With a Tight Lid

Keep combustibles away from the woodstove. Combustibles are basically anything that will burn, such as paper, cardboard, plastics, wood, and flammable liquids.

Burn only seasoned wood, since green wood produces creosote, which coats the inside of the flue.

Have the chimney cleaned regularly to prevent creosote buildup.

Keep fireplace ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid, and then place them away from structures on a non-combustible surface.

Families should have an escape plan, with two designated exits from each room.

As always, fire officials say every home should have several working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.