Article categories: News
The heating season has begun – use your fireplace correctly!
Published: 26.11.2025
Burning wood is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly if dry firewood is used and proper burning methods are followed. If burning is not done properly, it can create smoke that affects people’s health and the comfort of the neighbourhood.
Burning wood produces emissions, including fine particles and toxic compounds that are hazardous to health, such as PAHs. They can affect the development and symptoms of conditions such as heart and respiratory diseases. However, emissions can vary greatly depending on the type of firewood, the type of fireplace, and the burning method used.
Poorly managed wood burning even in a single household can reduce air quality in the surrounding area. According to the Vaasa region waste management regulations, burning must not cause smoke, soot, odour, or health hazards to neighbours.
Burn wood more cleanly
- Burn only dry, clean firewood – no rubbish and no treated wood. Burning household waste is prohibited under the waste management regulations.
- Keep firewood in a sheltered, well-ventilated place.
- Ensure sufficient airflow for proper burning and avoid smouldering.
- For the first batch, use small logs about 5 cm in diameter and stack them loosely to allow sufficient airflow.
- Watch the colour of the smoke coming from the chimney. The lighter grey the smoke, the more cleanly the wood is burning. The smoke should become lighter in colour soon after starting the fire.
- Light the fire from the top whenever possible.
- Make sure that the chimney is swept regularly. You can ask your chimney sweep for tips on burning wood.
- Always follow the fireplace manufacturer’s instructions.
Source: THL, HSY, waste management regulations