How to Remove Ashes from a Woodstove or Fireplace

Introduction:

One of the tasks of owning a woodstove or fireplace is that the ashes have to be removed from time to time. Some fireplaces have an ash pit that is built in the bottom of the fireplace where the ashes can just be pushed into. This is a very convenient feature but not all fireplaces have ash pits. If the fireplace does not have an ash pit the ashes must be removed in the same way they are removed from a woodstoves.

Usually the ashes are removed after the fire has gone out or nearly gone out. This doesn’t mean that the ashes are cold. Ashes can stay warm enough to relight a fire many hours after the wood fire has stopped burning. Removing these hot or warm ashes can be hazardous. As soon as air (oxygen) comes in contact with the ashes they begin to glow again and turn red. What is occurring is that the ashes begin to burn again. It is imperative that they be placed in a non-combustible container.

Never place woodstove or fireplaces ashes in a combustible container such as a paper bag or plastic bucket even if they appear to be cold. There have been many house fires caused by the inappropriate disposal of ashes. The only suitable container is a metal container with a cover. The suggestions below are offered on how to remove the ashes safely.

How to remove ashes from a woodstove or fireplace:

Items required:

·       Metal container (bucket) with a lid or fireplace ash can

·       Small fireplace shovel

·       Glove to prevent burning your hand

1. Position the metal bucket as near to the woodstove or fireplace opening as possible.

2. Put a glove on and using the shovel remove the ashes and place them in the container.

3. Keep the lid on the container, only removing it to place each shovel full of ashes in the container. This will keep down the ash dust from spreading into the room.

4. Once all the ashes are removed insure that the lid is firmly in place and remove the container from the house.

There have been many house fires caused by woodstove or fireplace ashes because they were placed in inappropriate containers. An ash bucket and small shovel can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowe’s for less than twenty dollars. It is a great investment and will serve the purpose for decades.

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