| Contact Information | Date |
|---|---|
| For Immediate Release Contact: David Stone 540.967.3702 |
February 8, 2007 VDOF—07003 |
Hot Ash Safety Facts
The improper disposal of ashes from fireplaces and woodstoves has caused nearly a dozen wildland fires in recent days. Wood ashes retain enough heat to ignite other combustible materials for several days.
Officials with the Virginia Department of Forestry are alerting homeowners to this potentially serious threat to the safety of their families and homes.
“Improper ash disposals have already destroyed homes, outbuildings and valuable resources this year,” said David Stone, VDOF area forester in Louisa County. “PLEASE BE CAREFUL !!!”
What can you do to prevent forest and field fires from igniting from hot wood ash?
- Dispose of wood ashes in a metal container that can be tightly closed. Douse with water; place the closed container outside your home away from combustible materials, and leave ashes in the container for several days before disposing of them. (Did you know that some people dispose of their wood stove ashes in garbage containers that are plastic or even paper bags? It doesn’t take much heat for these types of containers to burst into flames.)
- Teach other family members about the dangers associated with hot ash disposal
- Be careful with ashes around areas you might not consider as combustible during wetter times, such as mulched flowerbeds and lawns that are drought stricken.
- DO NOT place hot ashes in a dumpster. There are certainly other combustible materials already in the dumpster.
- DO NOT dispose of ashes in a paper, plastic or cardboard containers.
- DO NOT assume the ashes are cold and pour them onto the ground (even into a hole) where leaves can blow onto them or the wind can stir up sparks.
- Once you are POSITIVE your container of ashes is “cold,” place in a pile and prepare your container for the next load.
A cord of wood produces about 50 pounds of ashes, which can be used for many other purposes.
Ashes from different types of wood vary slightly in their chemical composition, but all kinds of ashes can be used as fertilizer. They produce 50 percent to 70 percent lime and contain phosphorus, potash and trace elements. Gardeners can raise the soil’s pH by applying wood ash to their soil. To avoid altering the pH too drastically, take a soil sample prior to the addition of wood ashes to your garden spot. If the soil pH value is below 5.8 and there is a lime recommendation on the soil test, then place a dusting of wood ash on the surface and work it into the soil.
Also, ashes may be used as a repellent. Sprinkle ashes beside row crops and on paths through the garden to discourage slugs and snails.
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The Virginia Department of Forestry protects and develops healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians. Headquartered in Charlottesville, there are Forestry staff members assigned to every county to provide service to citizens of the Commonwealth. VDOF is an equal opportunity provider.
With nearly 16 million acres of forest land and more than 184,000 Virginians employed in forestry, forest products and related industries, Virginia forests provide more than $29.4 billion annually in benefits to the Commonwealth.
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