Understanding Firewood Safety

As the weather cools, many of us are ready to break out the wood and enjoy the warmth and beauty of a fire. Before winter gets fully underway, however, it is important to remember a few tips related to firewood and fire safety. There are many important things to consider when preparing a fire or transporting firewood.

Choosing Your Firewood

There are generally three types of firewood: green, seasoned, and dry. Green wood is not ideal for burning because it is still very wet, and about half the wood’s energy is lost in burning. Purchasing green wood for the next season, which allows it time to dry out, can be a good option for saving money. Seasoned wood is typically cut to length, split, and stacked outside for the summer. The end product has about 20% moisture content. Dry wood has less than 19% moisture content, and has often been dried in a kiln. Be sure to stack your firewood in a convenient area near your house so that you do not have to haul the firewood far to replenish your home’s stash.

Firewood Cutting Safety

Cutting your own firewood from your land is a great way to save money and, when done strategically, promote healthy tree growth. It is important to wear approved protective equipment like a hardhat, safety glasses, ear covers, logging boots, and sturdy work gloves. Maintaining your chainsaw properly is also important for avoiding injury.

Learn proper techniques for felling, limbing, and bucking. By improving your skills, you can improve your safety. But don’t overdo it – stop when you get tired to avoid costly mistakes.

Maine Firewood Laws

Maine has banned all out of state firewood. One of the leading causes of pest and insect spread is the transport of firewood. By transporting firewood, you risk bringing non-native pests into previously uninfected areas. Even if you inspect your firewood, there is no way of ensuring it is 100% safe, so Maine law says, “buy it where you burn it.”

Knowing basic firewood safety skills and firewood laws can help keep you and your family safe and warm this winter.