Can You Burn Wet Firewood?

Many people wonder if they can burn wet firewood. The truth is that while it is possible, it’s very inefficient and potentially dangerous. Dry firewood is the best option for indoor and outdoor fires. Read on to discover all the benefits of burning dry wood and why you shouldn’t burn wet firewood.

Why Burning Wet Firewood Is a Bad Idea

Burning wet firewood has a multitude of downsides and very few advantages, aside from convenience. It’s always best to burn dry firewood whenever possible. When lit, wet wood creates excess smoke while generating little heat. Rather than warming you and the surrounding area, the heat goes into evaporating moisture. In addition to high fuel inefficiency, wet wood causes increased pollution and health risks from the particulates getting released into the air.

Understanding Moisture Content in Wood

Wood is considered “ready to burn” once it has a moisture content of 20% or lower. Once the moisture content of the wood is above 20%, there’s a higher risk of chimney fires, property damage, and excessive smoke. To check the moisture levels, you can use a moisture metre or check for visual signs. Common signs of moist firewood include:

Musty or sour odour
Soft spots
Dark, dull, or green discolouration
Mould and fungi growth
Smooth rather than cracked ends

The Risks of Burning Wet Wood in Your Stove or Fireplace

Burning moist firewood in your stove or fireplace is a costly mistake with potentially dangerous consequences. As you require more and more wood to generate heat, you end up creating a buildup of creosote. Creosote is a chemical mixture in firewood that’s used as a preservative. In small amounts, this can be harmless. However, in large accumulations, creosote becomes toxic as well as a fire hazard.

The Difference Between Burning Dry Wood and Wet Wood

The following chart provides an in-depth comparison between burning dry wood vs. wet wood:

Wet/Moist Firewood

Heat Output	Low heat output as energy is used to evaporate water/moisture.
Smoke Levels	Excess production of thick smoke and particulates.
Efficiency	Energy is wasted producing steam rather than usable heat. More difficult to ignite.
Environmental Impact	Require more wood for less heat output. Increased emissions, creosote, and air pollutants.

Dry Wood (Seasoned or Kiln-Dried)

Heat Output	Higher heat output. Burns hotter and more efficiently.
Smoke Levels	Minimal smoke and particulates. Cleaner burn.
Efficiency	Releases more heat and energy per log. Heat isn’t wasted during water evaporation.
Environmental Impact	Decreased need for fuel, minimised air-quality impact, less creosote buildup.

How To Dry Wet Firewood Effectively

One great way to dry wet firewood is outdoor seasoning. This method involves stacking your firewood off the ground outside and covering only the top, making sure there’s good airflow while protecting it from the rain. You may also consider splitting the logs to speed up the overall drying process. The exact timeframe for seasoning will vary depending on the type of wood.

Quick Fixes for Burning Wet Logs

If you’re on a time restriction and need dry wood in a hurry, consider some of the following quick fixes:

Always follow the proper safety precautions when oven drying wet logs to prevent fire and safety hazards. You’ll need to closely supervise the wood throughout the entire process. Preheat your oven to 200°F or 250°F and turn the fan on to promote air circulation. Allow moisture levels to equalise by placing a tray of water on the bottom rack. Place your logs on a pan in the oven and make sure that none of the pieces are touching. Check every 10 minutes and always use oven mitts. Be extremely careful as the trays and wood will be hot.

If you have a combination of wet and dry wood, you can mix the two the maintain good heat output and control smoke production. Evenly distribute the wet and dry wood to avoid having only wet wood left to burn. Additionally, splitting the wet logs is a good way to minimise its negative effects while adding it to the fire.

Hardwoods such as maple and oak produce less smoke and burn longer than softwoods, even with moisture levels over 20%. Softwoods, such as spruce and pine, burn quickly and produce more smoke than hardwoods. In emergency situations, burning hardwood is more effective and safer than softwood. Here’s a list of hardwoods you could burn in an emergency even when wet:

Birch
Maple
Hickory
Ash
Cherry

Tips for Buying and Storing Firewood to Keep It Dry

Here are a few helpful tips for buying and storing dry firewood:

For the best results when purchasing firewood, use a moisture metre to test the wood before buying.
If you don’t have a moisture metre, you can spot dry wood through its features, including light colouring, cracked ends, and loose bark.
Keep your firewood dry by storing it off the ground with the top covered and sides open.

Regulations on Selling and Burning Wet Wood

In Canada, there are a few rules to keep in mind when buying or burning firewood. Measurement Canada requires that firewood be sold by a stacked cubic metre, which is the only legal unit of measurement. Prepackaged bundles must also be clearly labeled so buyers know exactly how much wood they’re getting.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) restricts moving untreated firewood between regions to prevent the spread of invasive pests like the emerald ash borer. Transporting logs across regulated boundaries can result in fines.
Moisture levels are another important factor. Firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less to be considered safe and efficient to burn. That’s why many Ontario bylaws recommend using seasoned or kiln-dried wood—it burns hotter, creates less smoke, and lowers the risk of creosote buildup in your chimney.
For peace of mind, always buy from local, certified suppliers and make sure your firewood is properly dried, measured, and compliant.

Final Thoughts – Why Drying Wet Firewood Is Worth the Effort

We don’t recommend trying to burn wet firewood. Safeguard your health, home, and the environment by purchasing and using dry firewood that’s seasoned or kiln-dried. By investing in proper firewood storage and seasoning practices, you stand to benefit from long-term saving and improved safety. Get your firewood from the experts at Fairwood Firewood for guaranteed safe, efficient, and effective firewood.

FAQs

Signs your firewood is too wet to burn safely and efficiently include:

Dull sound when tapped or split
Excessive amounts of thick and/or cloudy smoke
Hissing and/or popping wood
Smouldering fire
Little heat output

Yes, you can stack wet firewood if it’s kept off the ground, stored in a well-ventilated area, and covered on the top but not the sides.

Wood absorbs moisture and water from its surroundings. This can happen through direct contact, such as rain, or indirect contact, such as moisture from humid environments.

Yes, wet wood can produce thick black smoke as it releases soot and unburned particles into the air.

Drying times vary for wet wood depending on the thickness of the log, type of wood, and environmental factors. Seasoned wood goes through a natural air-drying process that can last 6 to 18+ months. Kiln-dried wood is dried in a climate-controlled kiln with little humidity for 3 to 6 days.