Damp firewood and lighting: check your fuel before use

Check what the appliance requires

The appliance manual defines permitted wood types, dimensions and moisture requirements. Use untreated firewood, not painted offcuts, furniture board or waste. Do not assume that a stack stored for a particular number of months automatically meets the requirements. Drying depends on the wood and its actual storage conditions.

Measure consistently

Use a moisture meter according to its instructions and any requirements for wood species or temperature. A measurement on the old outer surface may not represent the interior. Prepare the measuring surface as directed, often on a freshly split face, and check several pieces. Compare the results with the appliance’s stated requirement.

Look at the storage arrangement

Keep firewood protected from direct rain while allowing the ventilation its storage method requires. Avoid trapping moisture under a tight covering. Keep wood off unsuitable damp ground and separate ready-to-use stock from wood still drying. Do not dry wood against an operating fireplace or inside the required safety clearance.

Choose another load if necessary

If measurements do not meet the manual’s requirement, use a suitable dry supply and continue proper drying of the other stock. Do not try to overcome moisture with more firelighter or unapproved liquids. Persistent smoke or poor combustion can have several causes; repeated trouble warrants checking the appliance and chimney, not just the wood.

Frequently asked questions