When it comes to storing your firewood safely at home, there are a few steps you'll want to follow.
This blog post is dedicated to helping you ensure you have the right safety measures in place when it comes to storing your firewood.
Step 1: Storing Your Firewood
When it comes to storing your firewood, keep it outside until you're ready to use it. Bringing wood inside can invite pests into your home. You should keep a small amount of firewood near your fireplace or wood stove for convenience, just make sure it's been checked for bugs.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Wood
First things first, you'll want to choose the right kind of wood. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and birch are great for burning because they burn longer and cleaner. Avoid softwoods like pine if you can, as they tend to create more creosote, a substance that can build up in your chimney and cause fires.
Step 3: Cut and Split Your Firewood
After choosing your wood, you'll need to cut it into logs and then split those logs into smaller pieces. Aim for pieces that are about 16 inches long and no more than 6 inches in diameter.
These dimensions work well for most fireplaces and wood stoves.
Step 4: Season Your Firewood
This is where patience comes into play. Freshly cut wood is full of moisture and burning it can lead to a lot of smoke and a poorly burning fire. To avoid this, you'll need to let your wood dry out, or "season," for at least six months, and preferably a year. Stack it in a place where it will be exposed to sun and wind. 
Step 5: Stack Your Firewood
The way you stack your firewood is more important than you might think. You want to stack it off the ground to prevent moisture and bugs from getting in. Use a firewood rack or pallets and keep the stack neat and stable. If possible, cover the top to protect it from rain and snow, but leave the sides open for air circulation.
Step 6: Properly Dispose of Ashes
After burning firewood, you'll be left with ashes. These should be disposed of safely. Wait until the ashes have fully cooled, then scoop them into a metal container with a lid. Store this outside, away from any combustible materials.
And there you have it! With these steps, you'll be able to safely store and handle firewood. Remember, the key is to keep your firewood dry and off the ground, and only bring it inside when you're ready to use it.