To make a fireplace fire last longer, you must manage two main factors: the fuel source (type and density of wood) and airflow (the amount of oxygen reaching the fire).
Fireplaces and Smoke
The particles can make asthma worse. People with asthma are at greater risk of having an asthma attack from breathing in small particles. If you want to light a fire in the fireplace, it's best to use a gas fireplace. Avoid wood fires when possible.
The damper provides enough oxygen to light and keep a fire going. Keep the damper open while you start your fire and once the fire is established, you can adjust the damper to control airflow and heat output. Opening the damper will increase the heat output.
Properly cured, or "seasoned" firewood needs to be cut, split and stacked for a minimum of six months to be properly dried for this fall and winters fireplace needs.
The Worst Woods to Burn
Spruce and Fir: These softwoods ignite quickly but burn out fast, producing more smoke and soot than hardwoods. They're better reserved for kindling. Green or Freshly Cut Wood: Wood that hasn't been seasoned (dried for at least 6–12 months) contains too much moisture.
Explained, the chimney pipe must be a minimum of three feet above the roof but also two feet taller than anything within ten feet. The portion of the rule stating the pipe needs to be 2 feet above anything within 10 feet is where most people get confused.
However, if you have a smaller fire pit (less than 3 feet in diameter), you may only need 2-3 logs per hour. Conversely, for larger fire pits (over 4 feet in diameter) or if you're aiming for a roaring fire, you might need 5-6 logs per hour.
Wood smoke is not good for any set of lungs, but it can be particularly harmful to those with vulnerable lungs, such as children and older adults. Additionally, those with lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer are also more affected by wood smoke.
Tell the operator that someone is having an asthma emergency. Keep giving the person 4 separate puffs, taking 4 breaths for each puff, every 4 minutes until emergency assistance arrives.
Wood stoves are inadvisable for bedrooms. The risks of fire while sleeping mean this room type should be avoided, especially for children's bedrooms.
A rule of thumb in fire service is that a fire can double in size every 30 to 60 seconds. Even when crews arrive just minutes after getting the call, there can be significant fire spread as dashcam footage from two recent fires in Beaverton and Aloha shows.
HOWEVER, if you want to err on the side of caution, it is much better to only leave your fireplace burning, no matter what type it is, for two to three hours at a time. If you are older, if you have small children, or if you simply don't want to leave anything to chance, following this rule can give you peace of mind.
For a Hotter Fire
Fully open the damper to maximize airflow. It provides ample oxygen to the fire, resulting in a more intense and hotter burn. The damper must be fully open when lighting the fire.
Mice aren't only found in the attic or kitchen. They can also make their way down your chimney. Mice are mainly attracted to open spaces and warmth, so your chimney is the perfect place to nest. Leaving them unattended could lead to a full-on infestation in your home and costly repairs.
Opt for gas or electric fireplaces: These alternatives produce significantly less smoke and fewer particles than traditional wood-burning fireplaces. If you have the option, switching to a cleaner-burning model can reduce the risk of irritating your lungs.
Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house. Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside your home.
The 4% rule assumes a constant withdrawal rate during retirement. In the first year of retirement, retirees will take out 4% of their nest egg. Following that, they can adjust their annual withdrawals to account for inflation or deflation.
Whilst they can start naturally, see Information note - Wildfire, it is estimated that 90% of all wildfires across the globe are caused by humans. About 30% of those are started as a deliberate act of arson, whilst 70% are started accidentally or as a direct result of human carelessness.
The Golden Rule of Fire Safety: “Get Out, Stay Out, and Call for Help” Fire safety is paramount in every environment, especially in buildings where the risk of fire can be high due to electrical systems, heating, and cooking equipment.
Firewood Storage Mistakes to Avoid for a Long-Lasting Burn
The German Method for Stacking Firewood
This type of woodpile has been called many different names other than a holz hausen, such as holtz hausen, holden hausen, round, or a beehive stack. All of them describe a woodpile where firewood is stacked in the shape of a round cylinder.
Norwegian Round
This method builds large rounds of wood formations with barked firewood covering the top of the round pile to protect the underlying firewood from the elements. It sits on pallets to keep the pile off the ground, and is started by building the pile around while standing inside the wood pile.