Forestry -
Ice Storm Damage
Heating with Storm Damaged Wood
Many Arkansans are now cleaning up their yards after the ice storms and
wondering how useful some of the limbs and other woody debris might be for
firewood. Folks should keep in mind certain safety considerations before firing
up the wood stove or fireplace.
The Creosote Problem
Although it is tempting to turn the ice damaged limbs and trees into free
fuel, certain factors and hazards must be taken into consideration. One
important consideration especially for people interested in burning debris, is
the creosote buildup in chimneys. Creosote results from the volatile gases and
vapors produced when wood in burned in a stove or fireplace. As these gases are
carried up the chimney or smokestack , some of it will condense onto the cooler
surfaces inside the chimney and form creosote. Chimney creosote is combustible
and may cause chimney fires if it builds up inside the chimney. Chimney fires
can be extremely dangerous and can cause structural damage to the chimney or
ignite nearby combustible materials.
While all species will deposit creosote, certain species have more potential
than others for producing creosote. For example, pine species tend to have a
higher resin content that can increase creosote buildup depending upon the type
of fire and the temperature of the chimney surface. A smoldering, low
temperature fire will produce more creosote than a roaring, high temperature
fire because the hotter fire burns more of the volatile gases.
Homeowners should also not burn green wood. Green wood is recently cut wood.
Green wood, because of its moisture content, will also deposit more creosote
than wood dried for at least 6 months. More creosote is also produced when wet
wood is burned because of the higher moisture content and resulting lower
temperature of the fire. Homeowners can minimize creosote problems by:
- Burning only thoroughly dried wood
- Making small hot fires instead of large smoldering fires
- Cleaning the chimney and smokestacks frequently
The answer to the question, "Can I use my ice damaged pine or other tree
species as firewood", is yes but only after the wood has been air-dried and by
following the tips for minimizing creosote.
Care should also be exercised when burning wood scraps. Although wood scraps
can be very good fuel for stoves or fireplaces, some wood is treated with
chemicals that can be toxic when burned. Never burn wood scraps that have been
treated with wood preservatives or inorganic salts. And do not burn treated
fence posts for the same reason.
Contact: Tamara Walkingstick (501) 671-2346.
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