When cleaning flue liners for woodburners, property owners must ensure that they empty ashes into a metal container, a specialist has asserted.
This advice is also applicable for owners of fireplaces and must be adhered to in order to guarantee that flames do not develop and become a hazard to residents, experts at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have urged.
Catherine Koele, wildfire prevention specialist with the Department of Natural Resources, said: "Since embers can remain hot for days, avoid disposing ashes in the outdoors unless the ground is completely snow-covered or on bare ground such as a plowed field or tilled garden."
Outdoor wood boilers can also be dangerous for homeowners, as they release embers that can damage homes if they are not contained effectively.
Some health effects are also associated with woodburner smoke, including asthma and pulmonary disease, meaning that clean woodburners are particularly important for residents’ health.