Log burning stove safety at Christmas

Nothing quite like sitting round a glowing warm fire, especially at Christmas, but as one safety guide points out, throwing your Christmas wrapping paper on the fire is a bad idea.

The problem comes from the build up of creosote in chimneys, caused by burning un-seasoned wood or burning at low temperatures for long periods.

Paper thrown onto the fire can light and then float up the chimney setting fire to these creosote deposits.

It's one thing having the family around for Christmas dinner but quite another to have a houseful of Fire-fighters so take care.

photo credit: aussiegold

Is burning wood as a fuel really that eco-friendly?

A friend recently fitted a wood burning stove in his home - he's a very considerate fellow when it comes to issues green but it did set me wondering.... are wood burning stoves - more specifically, is burning wood any better for the environment than using coal, gas or oil?

I didn't know the answer - I still don't. But I did come across this useful argument that took place on a forum recently on this very topic.

It makes very interesting reading - not least because some members looked at it from an ecological point of view - sanitised woodland habitats, flora and fauna and the wildlife that lives in such woods.

Read the discussion here.

What do you think? Any helpful insights to add for others (like me) below?

photo credit: bimurch