March 30, 2009
COLDSTREAM, BC – Chasing away mid-winter’s chill is on everyone’s mind and nothing is cozier than warming the toes in front of a glowing wood fire. But are you doing it right?
If there is wood smoke coming from your chimney, if you can smell it long after your fire has been burning, or if you are using your wood supply too quickly, a free Burn Smart Workshop being held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday April 2nd at the Okanagan Science Centre on Highway 6 can help.
Organized by the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), the free Burn Smart Workshop will give North Okanagan residents the opportunity to learn how to keep their fires safe and healthy. The Workshop portion will provide tips on installation safety, burning without smoke, firewood, planning and maintaining a system, locating a chimney, and wood heat options. An outdoor appliance showcase featuring a variety of operational wood and pellet stoves will accompany the Workshop.
“When wood is burned at high temperatures, virtually nothing but carbon dioxide and water vapor are produced, “says Nicole Marzinzik, Air Quality Coordinator for the RDNO. “But when you allow your fire to smolder blue-grey smoke is produced, which means creosote is forming.” No visible smoke should be seen from an advanced stove’s chimney since the new stoves reduce smoke emissions by up to 90 percent. They are also over 50% more efficient than older conventional “air tights” and tend to produce a more pleasing fire.
One of the most appealing features of the Burn Workshop are the practical tips on how to reduce the amount of wood needed to heat a home. Ms. Marzinzik notes that heating with a wood stove, furnace or fireplace is something that many of us do all winter long. “Learning about ways to burn better is definitely worthwhile.”
People are encouraged to bring a sample of their firewood for a free moisture measurement. Knowing the moisture content of firewood can help home owners assess the performance of their wood heat systems. Those who attend the workshops will also receive booklets and pamphlets on various wood heating topics.
“You really need to see these new stoves working to appreciate the difference in performance,” says Reid Harvey, one of the workshop presenters. “There are so many advantages to the new technology stoves,” he says. “Think about one-third less firewood to cut, split and carry. Plus there is greater safety because of less creosote, so the risk of a chimney fire is virtually eliminated. Not to mention the good feeling you get from doing something that helps your family and helps the environment.“
The Workshop leaders are some of Canada’s most experienced wood heat specialists. Local wood heat retailers will also be on hand to answer questions and talk about the products that can help make wood burning safer, more efficient and healthier.
The workshop and showcase are part of the Great Okanagan Wood Stove Change Out Program running throughout the Okanagan until the end of April. The Change Out program offers monetary incentives for wood stove users to trade in their old smokers for cleaner burning appliances that meet stringent smoke emission limits.
This yearly workshop held is extremely popular. Anyone planning to attend, should arrive by 6:00 p.m. to view the operational display and to have their firewood sample tested.
For more information contact the Regional District of North Okanagan at 250.550.3700.
For more information:
Nicole Marzinzik
Air Quality Coordinator
250-550-3773
Karmen Peace, B.Sc.
Waste Reduction Coordinator
250-550-3743
Additional lnformation:
To Minimize Pollution from your wood burning appliance please follow these simple steps:
- Firewood should be seasoned by splitting and stacking it at least eight months before it is
burned. Your woodpile should be covered in a way that keeps rain and snow off but
allows air to circulate through it. Dry seasoned wood burns best!
- Burn only clean, dry wood in your wood stove. Never burn green, wet, painted or treated
wood including plywood, pressboard, railway ties or utility poles. Never burn household
garbage in your wood stove or fireplace!
- Burn only small bright fires. Start the fire using small pieces of wood kindling, and keep
the fire moderately hot, adding larger pieces of split wood as required. Do not damper
down the fire too much, as this will produce a smoky, oxygen-starved fire.
- Watch for signs of incomplete burning such as visible smoke coming from your chimney
or long, lazy flames in the firebox. When you see these signs, more air is needed to
improve your fire. You must open the dampers to allow additional air into the stove.
- Don't burn on fair or poor air-quality days. Your wood smoke will add significantly to the
problem, particularly on days of atmospheric inversions and still winds.
- Buy the right stoves for your needs. The most common mistake is choosing a stove too
large for the area to be heated. A stove that is too large for your home will have to be
dampered down to maintain a comfortable temperature, thus creating smoke and
increasing air pollution.
- Don't burn in moderate temperatures. Save your wood for cold days. When you do use
your wood stove or fireplace, keep the fire small and bright and only burn clean, dry
wood.
- Don't damper down your fire, as this will produce a smoky, oxygen-starved fire. Ensure
that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for the safe operation and maintenance of
your particular stove. Check your chimney frequently for creosote build up; a common
cause of house fires.
