Use local firewood safely this winter
It is recommended by the Virginia Department of Forestry to not use firewood from more than 50 miles away. This article includes a list of firewood that is available in Floyd County.
If your wood pile is looking low, now is a good time to make sure your firewood is stocked and ready for the cold days to come.
According to the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's data on past Januarys in Floyd, temperatures normally range from about 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The lowest recorded temperatures are -9 degrees in February of 2015 and -14 degrees, which occurred on Christmas Eve 2024. (Data taken from NWS's Copperhill Station.)
If you use a wood-burning stove, these temperatures mean that you will most likely be burning a lot of wood to stay warm during the winter. There are many things to consider when using a wood stove for your source of home heat.
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One variable to consider is the moisture content of the wood you plan to burn. Virginia Farm Bureau (VFB) states that "For the best burning results, the moisture content of seasoned firewood should be less than 20%."
VFB noted that, depending on the species of wood you're using and how it's stored, seasoning firewood can take up to two years.
"To achieve this at home, wood should be stored in a well-ventilated area and away from spots where it could get wet from rain or accumulated groundwater," VBF said. "Firewood often is stored and sold in stacks of 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet—a measurement known as a cord."
Dry seasoned wood is not only easier to start the fire to burn with, but also the fire produces a cleaner burn that produces less creosote buildup. Creosote is a sticky material that is left over after burning which is transported in the smoke up your chimney, which can build up in your chimney or stove pipe and potentially start a chimney fire.
Even if you burn seasoned wood, you should start each season with cleaning your chimney to make sure that the unavoidable build up that happens each season does not catch fire.
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Taking safety precautions while burning your wood stove in your home will keep you and loved ones safe. Safety starts with making sure that your stove is installed correctly. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) encourages following manufacturers' instructions or hiring a professional.
In addition to cleaning your stove pipe, before you start your first fire of the season, also check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home to make sure that they are working properly and have a fully charged battery.
The recommended clearance to have around a wood burning stove clear from flammable objects ranges from 18-36 inches, depending on manufacturer. Flammable materials should be no less than 18 inches from a single walled stove pipe, and six inches from a double wall stove pipe according to Rockford Chimney Supply. Adding a stove thermometer to the exterior of the stove will allow you to monitor the temperature of the fire, and keep the stove in the safe burning temperature range.
Additionally, it is recommended by the Virginia Department of Forestry to not use firewood from more than 50 miles away from where it will burn in order to avoid relocating invasive species that may be inside. Visit www.dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Below is a list of local businesses and individuals who have confirmed that they will have firewood available for the winter season.
- Veterans or veteran widows who are in need of firewood are encouraged to reach out to the Floyd Veterans of Foreign Wars Post at FloydVFW@gmail.com
