Approved Fuels

• A bag / basket of logs and kindling (fire starters, paper and wood slivers) should be in the Cottage upon your arrival … if not please advise Jill or Oliver.
• Additionally, Westermill provides – at an advantageously competitive rate – kiln dried firewood and kindling for use in the Cottage Wood Burners, please talk to Jill or Oliver for resupply.

Wood:

• While you are welcome to provide your own fuel please adhere to the following:
• Use seasoned hardwood logs (oak, ash, beech) with a moisture content of 20% or less.
• Avoid softwoods, damp wood, or freshly cut (green) wood as they produce excessive smoke and creosote.

Restricted Fuels

• Never burn treated wood, painted wood, plastic, or household rubbish.
Lighting the Wood Burner

Prepare the Firebox

• Westermill will clean the ash from the wood burner before your arrival.
• Future fires during your stay should only require ‘brushing’ any accumulated ash through the grate into the ash trap below the grate.
• Westermill will empty the ash trap after your departure.
• IF you are at all concerned about ash accumulation please contact Jill or Oliver.

Build the Fire

• Place 2–3 firelighters and / or crumpled newspaper on the grate.
• Add small pieces of dry kindling on top, creating a teepee or grid shape.
• Add a couple of small, dry logs on top of the kindling.

Light the Fire

• Open air vents fully for good airflow.
• Light the firelighters or paper.
• Close the door gently but leave a small gap to enhance airflow until the fire is established.

Maintain the Fire

• Once burning well, add larger logs and reduce airflow by adjusting the air vents to maintain a steady burn.
• Avoid overloading the stove with too many logs at once.

Regular Maintenance: Daily Use

• Future fires during your stay should only require ‘brushing’ any accumulated ash through the grate into the ash trap below the grate.
• Westermill will thoroughly clean the wood burner, grate and ash trap after your departure and before the arrival of the next visitor.
Wood Burner Safety Tips

Fire Safety

• Keep flammable materials at least 1 meter away from the stove.
• Use a fireguard if children or pets are present.

Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms

• Westermill Farm Holidays has installed both Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms in all cabins with a wood burner.
• Both types of alarms are monitored according to national standards [see xxx link] nonetheless should you have any concerns whatsoever please contact Jill or Oliver.

Extinguishing the Fire in the Wood Burner

• Allow the fire to burn out naturally.
• Do not use water to extinguish the fire.
Wood Burner Emergency

Emergency Steps

• In case of excessive smoke or a chimney fire, close the air vents, evacuate the cottage and…
• Come to the farmhouse immediately…
• IF there is nobody at the Farmhouse… immediately contact Oliver 07970 594 808
• IF You are unable to contact anyone at the farmhouse or Oliver — Call 999

By following these guidelines, you will enjoy the warmth and ambience of a wood burner safely and responsibly.