With winter well on its way, now is a great time to begin planning and preparing for the storage of next season’s firewood. Below are a few tips to consider, ensuring that your woodpile does not become a threat to your home and community.
Winter Storage: During winter, firewood can be stored near the house, either in a freestanding pile or a movable enclosure.
Spring Relocation: In spring, move all unused wood to a firewood shed that meets safety guidelines.
Fall Harvesting: Plan your firewood harvesting or deliveries for the fall. This prevents excess firewood from accumulating during the summer wildfire season, significantly reducing the risk to your home.
Manage Quantity: Only store the amount of wood you need. Excess wood increases fire risk.
Ember Risk: Exposed wood, whether freestanding or partially exposed, poses a significant risk of producing embers if ignited. Ember showers are a primary cause of structure ignitions during wildfires. Studies in the United States show that embers from flaming wood piles can travel over 27 meters and produce sizable flames. Reducing the possibility of ember showers near your home lowers the potential for home ignitions.
TIPS FOR FIREWOOD SHED PLACEMENT & CONSTRUCTION
Distance from Home: To minimize risk, place your shed at least 10 m away from your home.
Fence Considerations: If the shed is near a fence, ensure the section of fence directly beside and 1.5 meters around the shed is made of non-combustible materials like metal. Wooden fencing can allow fire to spread easily from one area to another.
Location Relative to Neighbours: Consider your shed’s location in relation to your neighbour’s property. Aim to build your shed away from any structures on their lot to reduce the risk of structure-to-structure ignition. Collaborate with neighbours or your community to enhance fire mitigation efforts in your area.
Shed Door Orientation: Position the firewood shed doors away from your home. Doors are typically the most vulnerable part of a shed. By orienting them perpendicular to your home, you can lessen the potential impact on your house in case the shed catches fire.
Fire-Resistant Roofing: Use materials such as metal, asphalt, or composite rubber.
Fire-Resistant Siding: Opt for a metal exterior with plywood backing for sturdiness or cement board.
Venting for Wood Curing: Use 3 mm mesh screening for ventilation.
Non-Flammable Base: Prepare the ground with a non-flammable base extending 1.5 m around the structure (Paving stones, gravel, bare soil, sand). Ensure there are no gaps between the shed’s base and the non-combustible surface. You can build up gravel, dirt, or sand up to the sides.
Flooring: No floor is needed, but consider using sturdy pallets underneath the stacked wood to promote curing.
Gaps and Vents: Fill all gaps with caulking to prevent embers from entering. Close vents and eaves with 3 mm mesh.
Prohibited Items: Do not store items with fuel inside the shed. Chainsaws, jerry cans, and oils can lead to explosions and significantly increase the risk to structures and personal safety.
Size: Sheds 10 ft by 10 ft or smaller have less fire risk and are practical and efficient to build.
More information relating to FireSmart woodsheds can be found at firesmartbc.ca/resource/firewood-shed-guide/
