What Are the Dangers of a Wood Burner in the Basement?

Burning Embers

• Ash retains heat for longer than people often give it credit for, and care is needed when disposing of the ashes that build up in the wood burner. Never collect ashes in a cardboard box because the embers could still potentially ignite the cardboard and result in a fire. The basement, which is a space that often goes for hours without any traffic in many households, is especially susceptible to this because of extended periods in which the area isn't checked. Always collect embers out of the wood stove in a metal bucket with a lid on it and store them there for several days before disposing of them, to eliminate the risk of secondary fire.

Creosote Buildup

• Wood burners need to vent the gases that build up as a result of wood combustion. They require a flue or chimney to safely ventilate the system, and creosote builds up over time if the chimney isn't properly cleaned. Creosote is a gummy and flammable material that forms as chimney gases and smoke cool down. The danger is that the creosote also absorbs heat, so as it builds up and gets reheated, there is a danger of combustion resulting in a chimney fire. Regular chimney and flue cleaning helps eliminate this risk. People sometimes overlook this risk because the burner is in the basement, while the chimney is on the top level.

Carbon Monoxide

• Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that causes health defects in large quantities. It is produced during the wood-burning process but should be ventilated out through the chimney when the system is working properly. However, leaks in the system or improper combustion results in carbon monoxide being produced in larger quantities and seeping out throughout the home. Exposure leads to unconsciousness, and brain damage or death occurs shortly thereafter if the area is not immediately ventilated. Install a carbon monoxide detector in the basement near the burner and others on each floor of the house to protect yourself against this risk.

Furniture Fire

• Wood burners should have at least 3 feet of space around them to allow them to properly cool down and ventilate. Furniture left too close to the wood stove easily catches afire if it gets too hot. This risk increases in the basement if you use the burner but aren't in the basement to supervise its operation. Linens and pillows are especially dangerous if they are left too close to a wood burner. Always inspect the surrounding area for possible combustion hazards prior to activating a wood burner, and go into the basement periodically when it is in use to inspect its operation.