How to Properly Put Out a Fire in A Log Burner

When you first fire up your stove, your main concern is probably along the lines of how best to light your log burner.

However, it is just as important to make sure you put out your stove safely. While we don’t like to dampen the fun, fire is serious business. An improperly used stove can lead to dangerous chimney fires, while recently burnt ashes can begin to release carbon monoxide into your room, long after the fire has been extinguished.

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In this blog we will cover:

• How to put out a log burner fire
• What to do if you need to put your stove flames out quickly
• How to properly dispose of your fire ashes
• Whether it is safe to leave your log burner on overnight

Read our guide to properly extinguishing your stove fire to make sure you are doing it safely…

How to Put Out a Fire in a Wood Stove

Like most things related to your wood burning fire, putting your stove out safely can take a little patience.

The safest way to put out the flames is to slowly starve them of oxygen. To do this, you will need to close the air vents. Following these steps is usually the best way to extinguish your log burner:

1. Make sure your stove door is completely closed and secured.
2. Close off the air vents and wait until the flames have died down to embers.
3. Carefully open the door and using your heat resistant glove, spread out the remaining embers and pieces of firewood or coal. Always ensure your chimney damper is fully open before you open the stove door to prevent smoke from billowing out.
4. Lightly spray water or baking soda over the top of the embers to help put the fire out completely.
5. Close the stove door.
6. Sweep out remaining ashes once the stove has cooled down enough.

Always make sure that your log burner fire is completely out before leaving your stove unattended. If your ashes are left in your stove, make sure you keep the door closed to keep any fumes from getting out into your home.

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How to Put Out a Log Burner Fire Quickly and Safely

• NEVER throw water over your flames
• Safety first – have an emergency fire extinguisher in your home
• Call the fire brigade if you ever lose control of your flames

You may be wondering how you would put out a log burner fire quickly or a short notice – say you had to leave the house suddenly – just when you’ve settled down to enjoy your freshly lit flames!

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However, there is one thing you should never do when it comes to extinguishing your stove. Do not throw water over the flames to put them out. This will instantly create heavy smoke, which will blow back into your room.

Similarly, don’t try to smother the flames with an object such as a towel. Not only would this be messy, but could also potentially catch fire!

What to do if your stove’s flames get too big?

If you notice your flames are getting too large, close off the air supply until they look more manageable. If you need to put out your log burner in an emergency, the best way to do so is with a fire extinguisher or fire blanket.

Finally, it goes without saying that if you lose control of your stove fire completely, you should call the fire department.

How to Dispose of Ash From Your Wood Burning Stove

Disposing of the ash from your log burner must be done properly to ensure they don’t become a carbon monoxide hazard. As your ashes are cooling, they will start to release fumes, which can be dangerous to your health.

Remember, it is also a legal requirement to have a carbon monoxide detector in the same room as your stove!

To dispose of your log burner’s ash safely, follow these steps advised by HETAS:

1. Wait until they have cooled down in your log burner – keep the stove door closed
2. Wearing gloves, sweep the ash into a steel can or bucket with a lid
3. Carry your ash outside in the bucket, keeping the lid closed
4. Dispose of the ashes appropriately – find out more below…

What you can do with your log burner ashes depends on what fuel you have used.

If you have been burning wood, your ashes can be:

• Put in your outdoor general waste bin
• Recycled with your garden waste
• Put in a composting bin
• Used as soil fertiliser

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As wood ash contains potassium, it can be beneficial to add a little to your garden or compost heap or soil. Coal ash, on the other hand, contains no nutritional value to your garden. This should be disposed of in your general waste bin only.

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Can You Keep a Fire Burning All Night?

Finally, some people wonder whether it is safe to leave their wood burning stove on overnight.

The safest option is to fully extinguish your stove fire when you go to bed at night. Leaving a burning fire unattended is rarely a good idea – we all know how quickly a few flames can get out of hand.

Fire hazards aside, leaving your fire slowly smouldering overnight will mean it produces a lot more smoke than if you were there to keep it running efficiently. Smoke is not only bad for the air, but will also dirty your chimney and your stove glass, which will inevitably cause you more problems in the future.

Related: Why You Need to Sweep Your Chimney

It’s best to enjoy your stove when you are awake – why waste your fuel when you’re not there to enjoy it!

Shop online at Direct Stoves!

If you are looking for a new wood burner or multi fuel stove, take a look at our full range on our website now!

Looking for more stove advice? See our blog resources for other posts you may like…

How to Stack, Store and Season Firewood | Why Does My Log Burner Keep Going Out? | Common Causes of Damp in Your Chimney

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Categories: Kitchens