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Run wood stoves and fireplaces safely

Wood stoves are common off grid and are a leading source of home heating fires. Clearances, chimney care and safe ash disposal prevent most of them.

How

1. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 ft (about 1 m) from the stove, as USFA advises, and follow the stove maker's stated clearances, which may be larger.
2. Have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional once a year.
3. Put ashes in a closed metal container outdoors, at least 10 ft (3 m) from the house, as USFA advises.
4. Do not burn paper in the stove, as the US Ready campaign advises.
5. Keep a CO alarm and smoke alarm in the stove room (see safety-9 and safety-10).
6. Keep tree branches at least 10 ft from the chimney (see safety-4).

Safety: Chimney fires can spread to the roof. If you hear roaring or see flames from the flue, close the stove air controls, get everyone out and call the fire service.

Do these first

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Sources

1. Heating Fire Safety. US Fire Administration (FEMA), accessed 2026-11
2. Fireplace and Wood Stove Safety Card. US Fire Administration (FEMA), accessed 2026-11

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