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FAQs

  • Can you burn firewood in the rain?

    You can burn well-seasoned firewood during rain if it’s been stored under cover. Focus on dry kindling and sheltered fire pits for outdoor burning in wet weather.

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  • How should firewood be stored?

    Store firewood elevated off the ground, 20-30 feet from your home, in a sunny location with only the top covered to allow airflow.

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  • What causes creosote buildup in chimneys?

    Creosote forms when smoke from wet wood or inefficient fires condenses in chimneys, creating a dangerous, flammable tar-like deposit.

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  • How do you prevent insects in firewood?

    Store firewood 20-30 feet from your home, elevated off the ground, and only bring inside what you’ll burn immediately to prevent insect problems.

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  • What firewood produces the best coals?

    Oak and hickory produce the best, longest-lasting coals. Black locust also excels where available, while ash provides good coals with easier processing.

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Surface mold on firewood is common and generally safe to burn, though it indicates storage problems that should be corrected. Understanding the difference between harmless surface mold and problematic rot helps you make safe decisions about your firewood quality and burning practices.

White, gray, or greenish fuzzy growth on firewood bark and surfaces represents common outdoor molds that colonize damp wood. When burned, these surface molds combust completely and pose no significant health risk. The heat of the fire destroys mold spores before they can become airborne indoors. Millions of homeowners safely burn slightly moldy firewood every winter without issues.

However, moldy wood signals excessive moisture that will create burning problems. Damp wood with active mold growth won’t be properly seasoned and will produce the usual issues: difficult ignition, excessive smoke, low heat output, and creosote buildup. The mold itself isn’t dangerous, but the moisture condition it indicates is problematic.

If you have moldy firewood, brush off loose mold before bringing wood indoors to avoid spreading spores in your living space. Let moldy wood sit in a sunny, well-ventilated area for a few weeks if possible—the sun will kill surface mold and help dry the wood. Test moisture content with a meter; if it’s below 20%, the wood is safe and effective to burn despite past mold presence.

Deeply rotted wood is different from surface mold. Wood that’s soft, crumbly, or falls apart indicates advanced rot and decay. This wood has lost structural integrity and heat value, burning poorly and providing minimal BTUs. Severely rotted wood may also produce unpleasant odors when burned. Use deeply rotted pieces for composting rather than fuel.

Prevent mold by improving storage conditions: elevate wood off the ground, ensure good airflow around stacks, cover only the top while leaving sides exposed, and store in sunny locations when possible. Properly stored seasoned firewood rarely develops significant mold problems.