Category: Log Splitting Info

Understanding how long to dry firewood can be challenging, it is a process that is required to ensure the firewood is ready for use in the home.

How long to dry split firewood depends on a few different factors, The process of drying split firewood usually takes between 2-4 months on average and depends upon a number of factors;

The size of the split

Split firewood for drying should be split to a maximum thickness of about one inch, half an inch more than what is required to split the wood into single firewood loads.

Thicker splits will dry longer than thinner splits and larger splits will dry more quickly than smaller ones. It is recommended that splits of up to 3 inches in thickness should be made, as these take longer to dry and give the wood added durability.

The species of tree

Hardwood species tend to take longer than softwood species, although there are exceptions. Hardwoods such as oak and ash will require around 2-3 months drying time compared with softwoods like pine which will require less than 1 month drying time. Ensure you identify the correct species of tree from a reputable supplier if you are not sure.

The weather conditions

How long to dry split firewood depends heavily on the weather conditions that you will be drying your stack in.

In hot, dry conditions split firewood will dry very quickly and in wet or humid conditions it will take longer to dry.

If the weather is hot and dry then drying should start immediately, whereas if it is wet or humid then waiting until the weather improves would be recommended.

An alternative approach is to store firewood indoors until suitable weather conditions arrive before starting drying.

Where the wood was stacked after it was split

There is an art to stacking firewood and if it is not done properly then the wood will not dry very well.

The wood should be stacked in a wind-sheltered area, above ground level if possible, with a north-south orientation, preferably with one split resting on top of another.

Stacking the wood higher will enable better air circulation as opposed to lower stacks which are likely to retain more moisture when it rains.

A layer of straw should be placed on top of the split firewood to help prevent it from drying out during the drying process. Ensure that no other firewood is placed near the split.

The amount of air circulation

Split firewood should be stacked in a way that allows the air to circulate through the top layers of split firewood before it exits out through the bottom layers.

This will help avoid any condensation build-up in the lower layers of split firewood. Ensure that you stack your split firewood so that it allows good air circulation such as in wind-sheltered areas and at a height above ground level.

The ground

Split firewood should be kept on a level surface and not in ground-level piles. The wood should not touch the ground as this can lead to mold forming.

The wood should be laid out in a way that allows good air circulation, around one foot apart with the split firewood resting on top of other split firewood.

The area of the stack

Due to the size of split firewood, a large stack is required to dry properly. The wood should be stacked at a minimum of one foot above ground level to allow good air circulation.

More than one stack is recommended to allow a good supply of air to circulate through the wood.

The time of year

Split firewood will dry from summer onwards in warm dry conditions and start to dry from autumn onwards in wet cold conditions. In winter there is little sunlight and therefore less heat required in order to dry split firewood, meaning it will take longer to dry.

It is recommendable to start drying firewood during summer when the weather is dry and warm.

Inspection

Split firewood should be inspected regularly to ensure it dries and does not mold, mildew, or attract insects.

The splits should be turned over and brushed away any surface molds, if molds are found and are deep then splitting the wood again will normally sort out the problem.

Drying of firewood can take a couple of years to achieve fully dry split firewood and the wood must be dried properly otherwise it can become damaged and be unusable.

How to tell if Wood is Dry Enough to Burn

Seasoned wood will have cracks in the surface and it is lighter in color. It’s a good idea to test a small amount of the wood first, by placing the kindling in an area with no combustibles around it. If the kindling catches, then the rest of the pieces should do so as well.

Summary

Drying split firewood is a process that is required to ensure the firewood is ready for use. The process usually takes between 2-4 months on average and depends upon a number of factors.

This means it is essential to implement good drying methods and sufficient management resources are required to ensure there are no delays in the drying process. If you want to know how to dry out firewood fast, read our article: how to to dry wood in an oven.

Choosing the appropriate kind of firewood is vital to a successful fire and a well-functioning fireplace. When pine or other high-resin woods are burned, creosote is produced.

Considering how volatile it can be, creosote can build up over time and become a serious fire hazard.

Best for burning are hardwoods such as oak and hard maple.

Understanding how to identify split firewood is a useful skill that does take time to master.

Identification of Firewood

The End Grain

you may identify firewood by looking at the end grain’s properties. Foresters frequently utilize this procedure since it is more accurate than relying on the bark, leaves, etc.

Foresters, on the other hand, frequently use hand lenses to inspect the grain in more detail.

Because most people don’t have access to a hand lens, this technique is only useful for wood species that have unique end-grain characteristics, such as oak and elm. This makes it easier to distinguish from the rest of the wood in a large pile.

OAK END GRAIN

The Bark

My preferred method of recognizing firewood is by its bark. Split firewood often has bark still attached, and the bark patterns on different kinds of firewood can be quite diverse. You can tell a Shagbark hickory from other species of wood because of its flaky bark.

SHAGBARK HICKORY BARK

This approach has its drawbacks, including the fact that some of the bark may fall off of the firewood.

It might also become increasingly difficult to recognize the bark when it dries or decomposes. The bark is an excellent way to identify firewood in general, however.

The Color

When it comes to recognizing firewood, color can be both an aid and a hindrance. When working with woods like Cherry or Mulberry, which have a distinct color, using color might be an excellent strategy.

Even yet, a wide variety of woods have a light brown hue, and the color of wood changes as it dries and comes into contact with sunlight. There are advantages and disadvantages to this method, so it is best to be cautious.

The leaves

The most common method for recognizing wood and trees is to recognize them by their leaves. Leaves can be a challenge to use because you may not have any at a fuel pile.

A wonderful way to tell what kind of wood you’re looking at is by looking at the leaves on it. Maple and Oak are two of the simplest woods to recognize by their leaves.

Whether or not Weeping Willow Trees are suitable for use as firewood.

Fast-growing trees, and weeping willows like damp conditions but can also thrive in drier soil conditions. It is usual for the trees to live only 30 years. They may split, topple or lose limbs when the trees lose their vitality. You can use a fallen willow as firewood if you want to get rid of it. It is easy to cut down willows into firewood logs because they are softwood trees. Weeping willow, like all softwoods, does not burn well.

Methods of burning firewood

Three things happen when wood burns. The tree loses any leftover water through evaporation at first. Second, the tree undergoes a chemical transformation that results in charcoal, gas, and volatile liquids being produced.

Charcoal burns for a third time, releasing both CO2 and CO2. Wood’s chemical composition alters how this can occur.

Moisture can easily seep into softwoods like willow, making them vulnerable to decay. Oak and ironwood, for example, are extremely hard and contain very little moisture.

Identifying Poplar Firewood

Hard and softwoods, such as oak and maple, are commonly found in “firewood blends” sold by firewood merchants.

Softer woods burn more quickly, provide less heat, and may smoke or emit disagreeable aromas, making them less ideal for cooking. It’s one thing to get free poplar firewood, but if you’re paying for it, be sure you know how much of it is poplar and how much is the other kind of wood.

If most of the firewood is poplar, that fantastic deal might not be that terrific after all.

Identifications

Poplar firewood is difficult to distinguish from oak just by looking at it.

Remember that poplar is a fast-growing tree, which means that it is commonly cut while still young. Instead of slicing the logs into 2- to 3-foot lengths, the wood might be left whole.

The diameter of the round logs ranges from 5 to 8 inches. Depending on the poplar kind, the bark might be brownish-gray or even white.

Cutting

Cutting or splitting a poplar might help you identify it. It’s easy to split poplar, which is a light wood that produces little flying wood chips. It doesn’t produce nearly as much resin or sap as pine, and the bark is quite soft and smooth as well.

Burning

Determine if the wood is poplar by comparing it to other hardwoods. Poplar is a fast-burning wood that produces little sparks and coals when lit. It may emit a noxious odor or smoke. It doesn’t produce much heat because it burns so quickly.

It Has to Be Seasoned Correctly

All wood used in a fireplace must be properly dried and seasoned before burning. For a minimum of a year, the wood must be split and exposed to the air in this manner. Burning wood that has recently been chopped down will be extremely tough, and keeping it burning will be even more difficult.

Because of this, you will need to clean your chimney more frequently when you use unseasoned new wood. This dark gray tint is the result of well-aged mulberry wood.

We all are aware that evenly cut logs will burn well.

They are easy to dry consistently, easy to catch fire, and efficient to use.

The thing is that most people do not know what the ideal length is that they should be cut to.

So, What is the best length to cut firewood into?

Ideally, the best length of cut firewood is 16 inches.

The weight should be around 6 inches. When you cut into this size, it is easy to put into the firewood. Anything other than that, and the logs will burn too quickly. If they are thicker than these dimensions, they will take too long to dry.

That is why; this is the best length to cut firewood into.

To help you out, we will share a few techniques you can use to cut firewood into these dimensions.

How to cut firewood of the same length?

There are essentially four different ways to cut firewood into the same length. You can use the technique which suits you the best as a firewood length marker.

1. Use the chainsaw as a measuring tool:

The first one is to use the chainsaw as a measuring tool itself. You can mark 16 inches on the chainsaw. After that, whenever you plan on cutting a log of wood, you can use the chainsaw as a measuring tool and ensure that you inflict the cut at the right position. That way, you will not require any additional tools.

Even when dealing with wood in bulk, this technique will save you a lot of time. It will not hinder the natural process of cutting wood into logs.

2. Use a spray marker:

The second option which you have is to carry a spray marker. You have to roll the wheel on the log lengthwise. When you do so, it will dispense the same amount of paint at every point of contact. Once you see the paint, you can take your chainsaw and cut it at that length.

Since the circumference of the wheel is constant, it will apply the paint at the same point, and therefore you will always cut the firewood in equal length.

If you want to cut it into 16 inches, you have to choose the wheel accordingly.

You could also try one of these clever little tools called the Mingo Firewood Marker:

3. Use a bar attachment:

There are numerous measuring bars available as well. That way, they will allow you to measure the wood up to 16 inches. After that, you can use a regular marker to mark the position and cut it using the chainsaw.

These bars are not bulky and highly portable. That is why carrying them with you is easy.

4. Use tape to measure:

Last but not least, you can take a measuring tape with you. The measuring tape allows you to measure any length and mark the wood. That way, it becomes easier to cut the wood where you want.

These are the four ways to cut firewood to the right length.

Why should you be consistent with firewood length?

We briefly touched upon why you should cut firewood in the same dimensions. We will go into the details of these reasons below.

1. easy to store and handle:

Uneven logs take up a lot of space. Nobody has this extra space when you want to store the logs for the entire season.

It is a much better idea to cut them into the same size to avoid this problem. That way, stacking them up and storing them in a small space is easy.

2. Efficient burning:

Same-sized logs require the same amount of heat to burn. That is why, when you put them into the fire, all will catch fire simultaneously. That way, you can predict the amount of heat they will provide and use the firewood accordingly. It will reduce the amount of wood you need to generate the required amount of heat.

3. Easy to dry:

Drying time also depends on the thickness of the wood. Since the dimensions are the same, all such logs of wood will dry simultaneously, making it easy for you to use them.

In Summary

Thus, the best length to cut firewood is 16 inches. Once you go through the guide above, you will know how to cut every piece of wood into the same length and why it is essential.

Firewood is an important and necessary commodity during the colder seasons.

But what is the best way to season firewood?

Seasoning firewood reduces its moisture content, preserving the wood’s nutrients and providing sufficient heat. It also improves the wood’s insulation value and makes it easier to start a fire. Proper drying of firewood will also reduce splitting, prevent mold growth, and reduce the amount of smoke.

There are three methods for seasoning firewood, depending upon the amount of time and space available:

Method 1 – Air Drying

The simplest, least expensive, and most common method for drying firewood is air drying. Air-dried firewood is cut into small pieces and stacked so that air can circulate freely through it to eliminate moisture from the wood.

It should be seasoned outdoors in an open area, away from any tree roots or other objects that may impede airflow.

Air drying can take anywhere from a few months up to a year, depending upon the type of wood and the size of the logs.

The larger diameter pieces of firewood such as those from cedar, redwood, or cypress trees will dry more quickly than the smaller wood type such as oak or ash.

Method 2 – How to season firewood FAST – Propane Drying in a Kiln

Propane drying is best for people who want a quick way to dry their wood but do not want to burn any fossil fuel. To begin, you must purchase a propane oven.

As with air drying, propane drying should be done outside away from tree roots or other objects that may impede airflow.

Propane dehydrators are available at most hardware stores or department stores. Many commercial firewood providers use this method on a large scale to process large volumes of firewood on scale.

Another option is to purchase a propane firebox. This can be found at many home improvement stores and online.

Method 3 – Electric Drying

Using an electric dryer eliminates the need to cut firewood into pieces and it consumes less energy than propane drying because it uses less electricity. Electric driers come in a variety of models, with prices ranging from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars.

Electric dehydrators are not as common as propane driers, but they are still available at most hardware stores or department stores. They can also be found online.

The firewood should be cut into pieces and stacked, just as with the other methods of drying.

Drying firewood properly can take time, but it is well worth the wait because of the money and energy saved in the long run. Once you have seasoned your firewood properly, it will last for several years without having to be dried again (provided you keep it dry).

Properly dried firewood will not only burn more efficiently and conserve more energy, it will also reduce the amount of smoke and carbon monoxide that you produce.

So actually, what is the best way to season firewood?

Alright, alright, you’ve heard three methods explaining the best ways to season firewood, but which is the best?

well… as with most things, it depends…

It specifically depends on your budget and time. If you have lots of time, then you can afford to air dry, however, if you are short on time, we would recommend a propane dehydrator or an electric dryer method.

Benefits of Seasoning Firewood:

Firewood should be seasoned outside in an open area away from tree roots or other objects that may impede airflow. Firewood seasoning takes time, but it is well worth the wait because of the money and energy saved in the long run.

Another benefit of firewood drying is that it reduces the amount of smoke and carbon monoxide you produce when you burn. Properly dried firewood will not only burn more efficiently, it will also reduce the amount of smoke and carbon monoxide that you produce.

A firewood rack is a neat way to keep unused firewood handy without damaging your property or yourself. They are generally less expensive than a traditional wood shed and require little maintenance after they are put in place.

To build a wood rack, the wood must be cut into long, thin pieces while still damp.

When you stack the wood, it should fit loosely to allow air to circulate through the wood. Use pieces any greater than 2 inches in diameter or you will trap moisture inside the rack and make your firewood too wet to burn efficiently.

A firewood rack should be placed where it is protected from being knocked over or blown over by wind and water. Mark the location of your rack carefully on your property before installing it.

How long to season firewood after splitting:

It really depends on the type of wood and how protected the area is that you are drying the wood in. A good tip to speed up the process is to paint the box you are storing the split wood in Black or a dark color so that it heats up the timbe inside. This will work to evaporate any moisture and leave your wood dry.

So, what is the best way to season firewood?

From the article, we can conclude that the best way to season firewood is to let it dry out and build a firewood rack. The cost-benefit of firewood and its energy-saving benefits make this a necessary commodity during the colder seasons.

If you’ve ever gone out on the hunt for the best firewood for indoor fireplace, you’ll know that it can be a time-consuming process. There are many choices of wood, but not all of them are appropriate for the fire. The following are the most popular woods for fireplaces, as well as their best uses.

so… what’s the best firewood for a fireplace?

It’s all in the list below:

Southern Pine

Southern Pine is common firewood, with a soft, uniform texture. It has an ideal ratio of heat to coals and it burns with even heat for long periods, making it the best choice for stoves and other heating systems. It can be burnt with little smoke, although it does produce a moderate amount of ashes. When it burns, it produces very little odor and is not irritating to the eyes. It tends to burn quickly and can be difficult to start when green.

White Oak

White oak is a very dense wood, which means that you don’t need as much of it when burning as you would with another type of firewood. It produces a lot of heat and a moderate amount of coal. It burns slower than most other types of wood, but it doesn’t produce many ashes or sparks. White oak is best used in fires that will be burning for long periods.

Red Oak

Despite being very hard, red oak burns well.

It produces a good amount of heat and it is one firewood that tends to burn longer than other woods.

It doesn’t produce a lot of ash or smoke, which is good for people with allergies and makes it one of the best wood for fireplace no smoke.

It’s also a great choice for open fires and fireplaces, as it doesn’t require constant attention. Red oak wood can be difficult to light when green, but once it gets going it burns exceptionally well.

Black Locust

Black Locust is by far one of the best wood species to burn in a fireplace or stove. It has great burning characteristics, produces very little creosote, and leaves very little ash. While it’s known as one of the best firewood types around, it can be hard to find sometimes. Black Locust comes from North America, but it is becoming less common in forests due to logging and overcutting.

Eastern White Pine

Eastern white pine is a less dense, lower quality wood than most other types of firewood. If you have trouble finding straight wood or have a lot of firewood, this wood could suit your needs. It burns with a moderate amount of heat and produces very little ash or coals. There is little smoke produced by this type of firewood when burning, making it suitable for people with respiratory problems.

Common Hackberry

Hackberry wood burns slowly and is said to be easy to start. However, it isn’t as easy to find and doesn’t produce a great amount of heat. It produces little ash or coals but can be a great choice for people who have respiratory problems. This wood burns fast once it gets going, but it does leave a lot of ash and sparks.

Ponderosa Pine

This wood is very popular because of its huge, expansive knots. The wood from these trees tends to last for hours when burning in your fireplace, and the pleasant scent it gives off makes it a favorite among people who like the smell of a crackling fire. The main drawback is that it is hard to split and can cost more than other types of wood.

Eastern Red Cedar

This wood burns slower than most other hardwoods, which makes it ideal for those who want to burn their wood over a long period. The wood also smells great while burning, and the cedar aroma can last for hours. This type of wood also produces very little ash, making cleaning up after your fire very easy.

Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar wood is high quality. It produces a lot of heat and coals, but it doesn’t produce a lot of ashes or smoke when burning. It burns slowly, which is great for those who want their fire to last an extended period. Western Red Cedar also produces very little ash or sparks.

Conclusion

So now you know what’s the best firewood for a fireplace – If you’re looking for great firewood for your fireplace, you’ll want to pick the type of wood that suits your needs the best.

If you go out and buy the wrong type of wood, you could end up with a burnt pile of ash. Make sure that you know what kind of wood you need before heading out to cover any ground.

Learning how to split wood by hand certainly has its advantages. You will be able to split it into the size which you want. However, many homeowners aren’t aware of how to split wood by hand?

If you are one of them, our guide today can undoubtedly help you.

Things you will need for splitting wood by hand:

• Splitting Maul
• Axe
• Wooden block

How to split larger wood pieces?

If you need wooden pieces bigger than 8 inches, the technique we will highlight now is better.

Step one: Using the maul:

You will need a maul to cut larger pieces, and you have to start low. You have to use your body weight to bring the maul down when you’re swinging it.

Step two: Use the power of your core:

When you swing the maul, you have to keep your core strong. Your legs should be wider than the shoulder, and you should be slightly bent. This will allow you to bring the maul down with precision.

Step three: Cutting the wood further:

When you bring the maul down in such a way, the wooden pieces are likely to be broken into two. However, that does not mean you will get wooden pieces of the exact size you want. To achieve that size, you need to chop the two pieces into smaller ones again.

You must use the same technique as highlighted above.

With the help of this technique, it is easier for you to get even-sized wooden pieces.

How to split smaller wood pieces?

For the smaller wooden pieces, you have to use an axe. That is because the edge of the axe is sharper, and also you will be able to cut the wood into smaller pieces precisely.

While using the axe, the only thing which you have to ensure is that you hit the wood at the right spot. When you do that, the wood will split easily.

If you use limited power, the blade can be stuck as well. In that case, you will have to bring the axe down again at the same spot.

If the axe is stuck in wood, you have to get the axe out and hit the piece of wood on the wooden block. Doing so will separate them both. After that, once again, you can try to cut the wood into smaller pieces.

You can easily split wood by hand using these two techniques whether you need smaller pieces or larger pieces. There are, however, a few additional steps you need to follow:

Additional tips to split wood by hand:

Once you follow these steps, it becomes easy for you to split the wood efficiently.

1. Go with a chopping block:

While splitting wood by hand, it is a good idea to always use a chopping block. With the help of a chopping block, cutting the wood is easy, and you will not have to bend that low either. That is why; the chances of suffering from back pain are low.

2. Sandwich the logs:

If you want to cut the wood precisely, it is better to use chopping blocks. You should sandwich the logs between these two blocks. Also, the ground on which you keep the blocks and the logs should be soft. In that case, it becomes easier for you to split the wood.

By sandwiching the logs, you will be able to precisely bring down the axe or the maul. That way, you will not have to worry about splitting the same piece again and again.

3. Use a tire:

In addition to a wooden block, you can also use a tire. With the help of a tire, you will get a higher height which ensures that you do not have to bend so much to cut the logs. The reduction in bending means not having to worry about back pain.

4. Some pieces won’t split:

Irrespective of the tools you are using, some pieces will simply not split. They require machine work. That is why, if even after your best effort, the wooden pieces are not splitting, you might have to use an electric log splitter in that case.

Once you follow these steps, the task of splitting wood by hand is indeed easy.

If you’re looking for the exact technique, you can follow the steps highlighted above. Doing so will certainly ensure that you can split wood into proper dimensions without trying again and again.

If you’ve ever gotten low on firewood you would know the problem of sourcing dry wood for your fireplace.

Wondering if, and how to dry wood in an oven?

Drying out wood the normal way involves lots and lots of time, and patience, along with a storage area that will allow things to passively dry out. Weeks and months are required for to dry wood out that way.

What if there was a way to speed up the process, and make your dry wood available much, much sooner?

I’m sure you’ve heard of Drying Kilns that are often used to dry out wood quickly. They are a great option, but they come at a cost that is well out of reach of most people.

This is where your kitchen can come to the rescue!

You’ve probably found yourself wondering ‘what if I can dry the wood in my kitchen oven?’ more than once.

Well, I have good news.

This article is written to teach you how to dry wood in an oven. Read on to learn the 4 critical steps in drying wood in an oven safely.

NOTE: Do not attempt this procedure without some form of fire extinguisher available in case of emergency. If you choose to follow this procedure below, you do so at your own risk – mylogsplitter.com will not take any liability.

Can you use a Kitchen Oven to Dry Wood?

YES! You totally can.

Although there are some restrictions – mostly the size of your oven and the size of the wood you are trying to dry out, it’s really not that hard. Don’t expect a ‘cooking firewood mode’ on the dial though, it’s not that common – lol!

Some Advantages of Drying wood in your Kitchen Oven

Drying wood is a big job. using an oven can be really useful, here are a few reasons why:

• You can reduce the gradient of moisture between the core and edges because in an oven – it is dried both evenly and quickly.
• Mould formation is drasticly (if not totally) prevented by using this method
• It can take days to dry the wood in the summer, and if you live in a damp climate, it can take months to dry – drying wood in an oven can substantially reduce this time from weeks or months down to just a couple of hours.
• Any pests or eggs that are on (or in) the wood are very quickly exterminated, so you can be sure the wood is safe to store in your house.

How to Dry Wood in an Oven

Step #1 – Set up your oven

1. Make a space in your oven to fit the wood. Locate any racks to encourage air flow around the wood.
2. Preheat your oven to between 200 and 215 degrees F (95 to 101 degrees Celsius).
3. If your oven has a convection fan – turn it on.
4. Place a tray with 1cm of water at the bottom of your oven
5. Wait 10-15 minutes for the oven to be warm enough

Step #2 – Load-in your wood

1. Load each piece of wood on the oven racks being sure they are not touching.
2. If you find that your wood is slightly too large, you can use an axe or a wood splitter to reduce the length.
3. Ensure all wood is configured so that it is not going to fall thorugh an spaces in the rack – particularly if they are small.

Step #3 – Drying the wood

1. Allow the wood to dry in the oven for about 1 hour – checking on it every 10-15 minutes. The layer of water in the bottom of the oven will equalize the moisture content of the wood.
2. Use oven gloves to remove 1 piece of wood from the oven to inspect its moisture level. If you have a moisture meter available, use it to check to see if moisture is at the desired level.
3. If the wood is still too moist, place back into the oven and allow the drying process to continue for a further 15 minutes – repeat this as necessary.

Step #4 – Safely Rest the Dry Wood

1. Using oven gloves – remove each piece of wood one at a time
2. Place in a dry and safe place for the wood to cool. Do not leave the wood unattended for at least 10 minutes to ensure it does not catch fire.
3. After wood has cooled, check the moisture content again to ensure it is as dry as you want it.
4. If the wood is not as dry as you would like, place it back in the oven for 15 minutes at a time until you are happy with the result.

This process is ideal – particularly if you just need dry wood FAST! If you are trying to dry out a large volume of wood I would just recommend using the conventional methods – however, drying wood in an oven could get you out of a spot of bother.

Safety Reminders when Drying Wood in an Oven

It’s important to make sure you are being safe when drying wood in the oven because there are a few things that could potentially go wrong. Things like:

• Burns
  • Always make sure you use oven gloves when handling the hot racks and the dried wood that have been in the oven.
  • Make sure you monitor the wood carefully – when it is both in the oven, and when you have placed it on the bench. The last thing you want is it to catch alight.
  • When you remove the water from the pan at the bottom of the oven, wait for it to cool before moving.
• Fire
  • If smoke becomes visible – immediately turn off the oven keep the oven door closed and keep an eye out for any flames.
  • If flames are visible – Immediately turn off the oven, keep the door closed so it can burn itself out. If it does not go out on its own – evacuate the and call emergency services immediately.
  • If you have a fire extinguisher – put out the flames using the directions on the fire extinguisher.