Wood Burner Guidelines

Guidelines for Using Wood Burners in Cottages
Cottage Wood Burner Guidelines

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.

Woodburner Guidelines

 

Safety Precautions

  1. Read the Instructions
    • Ensure you read and understand the instructions provided for operating the wood burner.
    • If printed guidelines are not available and you have any doubts please ask the property owner for clarification.
  2. Ventilation
    • Ensure the room is well-ventilated while the wood burner is in use. Do not block air vents as proper airflow is essential for safe operation.
  3. Fuel
    • Use only the recommended fuel, typically well-seasoned hardwood logs. Do not burn treated wood, painted wood, driftwood, or any non-wood materials as these can release toxic fumes or damage the burner.
  4. Starting the Fire
    • Use approved fire starters or kindling. Do not use flammable liquids like petrol or lighter fluid to start or relight the fire.
  5. Fire Management
    • Keep the fire at a moderate level. Do not overload the wood burner with logs. Overfilling can cause overheating and potential damage.
  6. Supervision
    • Never leave the wood burner unattended when it is lit. Ensure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the property.
  7. Children and Pets
    • Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the wood burner. Use a fire guard if necessary to prevent accidental contact.
  8. Ash Disposal
    • Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them. Use a metal container for ash disposal and store it outside, away from combustible materials.
Maintenance and Care
  1. Cleaning
    • Westermill Farm Holidays will regularly clean the glass door and the ash pan to maintain efficient operation.
  2. Chimney Sweeping
    • Westermill Farm Holidays will ensure the chimney is swept regularly (at least once a year) to prevent soot build-up and reduce the risk of chimney fires.
  3. Carbon Monoxide Alarm
    • Westermill Farm Holidays will ensure a working carbon monoxide alarm is installed in the room with the wood burner.
    • Visitors are welcome to test the carbon monoxide alarm for their own peace of mind.
  4. Inspect for Damage
    • Visitors are asked to check the wood burner for any signs of damage or wear. Report any issues to the property owner immediately.
Maintenance and Care
  1. Cleaning
    • Regularly clean the glass door and the ash pan to maintain efficient operation. Use only recommended cleaning products and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  2. Chimney Sweeping
    • Ensure the chimney is swept regularly (at least once a year) to prevent soot build-up and reduce the risk of chimney fires.
  3. Inspect for Damage
    • Regularly check the wood burner for any signs of damage or wear. Report any issues to the property owner immediately.
  4. Carbon Monoxide Alarm
    • Ensure a working carbon monoxide alarm is installed in the room with the wood burner. Test it regularly to ensure it is functioning properly.
Usage Etiquette
  1. Respect the Property
    • Treat the wood burner and surrounding areas with care. Avoid causing any damage to the property.
  2. Follow House Rules
    • Adhere to any specific house rules or guidelines provided by the property owner regarding the use of the wood burner.
  3. Emergency Procedures
    • Familiarize yourself with the location of fire extinguishers and emergency exits. Know the procedure to follow in case of a fire emergency.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a wood burner safely and responsibly. Always prioritize safety and proper maintenance to ensure a pleasant and hazard-free experience.

Conclusion

Providing clear, comprehensive guidelines helps ensure the safety of guests and the proper use of wood burners in cottages. Make sure these guidelines are easily accessible and clearly communicated to all guests. For legal and liability purposes, it’s also a good idea to have guests acknowledge receipt and understanding of these guidelines.

For more detailed safety tips and regulations, you might refer to
resources such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which provides guidance on fire safety and the use of wood-burning appliances.