12 stoking tips for wood stoves, fireplaces and fire pits

Burning wood? Keep it pleasant for everyone! Read more about burning wood and minimizing the nuisance caused by it.
If you’re planning to burn wood, check out the Stookwijzer first at . That way, you’ll know when it’s better to keep the fire out. The Stookwijzer provides immediate advice.

Stoking Tips

We gathered some heating tips for wood stoves, fireplaces and fire pits.

1. Burn only dry wood

Damp wood doesn't burn well, which produces a lot of smoke and fine particulate matter. Chopping your own wood? Then let it dry for at least 2 years. The wood is dry when it has cracked or when the bark is peeling off. 

2. Never use painted or treated wood

Burning waste releases heavy metals. Particleboard is also off-limits because of the adhesive it contains. Burning waste is a criminal offense, and the fines are high.  

3. Do not burn paper or cardboard

It produces a lot of smoke and fly ash, which is why it is even banned as a fuel. 

4. Do you have a multi-fuel stove? Don't take that term literally

You should not burn everything in it (no plastic, trash, painted wood, etc.). Use only untreated, dry, and clean wood for this as well.

5. Do not burn in calm or foggy weather

The smoke then lingers and can cause significant local air pollution. On theStookwijzer website at, you can see when it’s best not to burn fuel. This Stookwijzer is a guide that advises whether you should or should not burn fuel at that particular time.

6. Use firewood that bears the FSC or PEFC certification mark.

Firewood bearing the FSC or PEFC certification mark guarantees that it comes from responsibly managed forests. 
 

7. Make sure it doesn't get too hot inside

Is it getting too hot inside with the wood stove on? If so, use less wood and open a window for a moment. Don’t close the air intake valve (“smother” the fire): this prevents the wood from burning completely, resulting in the release of extra harmful substances.

8. Open the air intake on the stove all the way

Open the air intake on the stove all the way, and do the same for the damper in the chimney. This ensures better combustion and, as a result, fewer harmful substances (such as PAHs and carbon monoxide).

9. Keep the ventilation grilles open while the heater is running

Keep the ventilation grates open while the fire is burning (or open a window slightly). This allows the fire to draw in oxygen and the smoke to be vented through the chimney.

10. Make sure you're heating your home properly

A good fire has yellow, even flames, and you’ll see almost no smoke coming out of the chimney. Orange flames and dark smoke indicate that combustion is not optimal: Health to ensure an adequate air supply.

11. Chimney Sweeping

Have your chimney thoroughly swept at least once a year.

12. Use heat sparingly

Don't burn wood every day, and definitely not for more than 4 hours in a single day. That way, you'll stay on good terms with your neighbors.

In this way, let us all make sure that we prevent heating nuisances to our neighbors as much as possible.

More information

More information about building fires outdoors (for example, for an Easter bonfire, a bonfire, or when burning wood or yard waste) can be found on the “Building Fires” page. There are various rules governing this, and it is only permitted during certain periods.

In the summer period, this is not allowed anyway. During times of prolonged drought, it is important to be careful with open fires and to be extra vigilant about preventing fires in nature.

Fuel Alert

Under unfavorable weather conditions, smoke lingers longer; when air quality is poor due to particulate matter, wood smoke contributes to a further deterioration of air quality. Because this can lead to health problems, the fire alert system was developed. When a fire alert is issued, the RIVM advises people not to burn wood that day. This can help prevent health problems among people in the surrounding area. On the page below, you will find more information and the latest updates regarding the fire alert.

View the current heating alert

You can even sign up for the heating alert on that page. If the weather forecast is unfavorable or if the RIVM has issued a smog warning or alert, the RIVM will issue a heating alert. You will then receive a notification via email.

Heating Guide

The Stookwijzer provides advice on when people should avoid burning wood. This depends on wind speed and air quality. In this way, the Stookwijzer can help minimize the nuisance caused by wood smoke to the surrounding area. At the following link— Map —you can see the current local burning advice for the municipality of Leudal.

More information