Heating correctly with wood

If you light the fire correctly, you can reduce smoke development in the critical initial phase for the benefit of the environment and health. Before commissioning, the relevant fireplaces must be checked if they have not been in operation for a longer period of time. Any blockages in the chimney caused by wasp nests and the like can be dangerous. Exhaust gases can escape into living areas (flue gas poisoning) or chimney fires can occur.

Wood is considered a renewable energy source, especially if the raw material can be sourced locally with short transportation routes. However, if used incorrectly, wood is not unproblematic as a fuel. The pollutant load per heat energy generated can be many times higher than with gas or oil firing systems and affect the air quality in inhabited areas.


Only untreated logs such as dry softwood or hardwood billets and unused solid wood cuttings may be burned in residential furnaces. Depending on the type of wood, the storage period is at least one to two years. Excessively moist or unsuitable fuel leads to smoke development and thus to high emissions of fine dust, carbon monoxide and unburned organic compounds. Illegal incineration of waste wood and waste also releases heavy metals and highly toxic dioxins.

The correct firing method can minimize smoke formation in the firing phase. For systems with an overhead flue gas outlet such as fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, tiled stoves and central log firing systems, firing from above is ideal. You need dry, small fir logs and a kindling, such as wax-soaked wood wool, which is available from retailers and DIY and hobby stores. The logs are stacked crosswise and placed on top of the previously layered firewood. The lighting aid is placed in the center. One match is enough to light the fire. The wood burns like a candle from top to bottom. The flame is not unnecessarily cooled by the logs above it.

There are also low-emission firing methods for wood fires with lower combustion. How these methods work in detail is explained on the website www.fairfeuern.ch of the cantons of Eastern Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

For further information, a leaflet can be obtained directly from the chimney sweeps or from the Office of Environment. The chimney sweeps and the Office of Environment are also available to answer any questions.

Press contact:

Office of Environment
Bettina Göldi, Division Environmental Protection
T +423 236 68 91
[email protected]