11 August 2026

Where Is The Best Place To Store Firewood In A Heatwave?

Given the hot weather that much of the UK has been experiencing this summer, it would be understandable if you haven't given much thought to your firewood or your fire in recent weeks.

After all, England and Wales experienced the driest July on record, while Southern England had its driest month ever recorded.

But while you aren't likely to be filling your fireplace up given the temperatures, you still need to think about your firewood, even in the midst of a heatwave.

That is because it has the potential to cause a blaze at your property if it is incorrectly stored and gets exposed to any kind of flame or other source of ignition.

So, where should you store your firewood during a hot summer to keep yourself and your property safe?

It is best to store your firewood away from your property if possible, as this will provide some safety should your store somehow catch fire. If you are planning to light up the barbecue, make sure it's located a safe distance from your firewood too.

The same goes if you are planning to use an outdoor firepit. Essentially, keep all kinds of flames and sources of ignition at a safe distance from your store of sustainable firewood. Also ensure that your barbecue or firepit is supervised at all times.

Another top tip for minimising fire risk at your property is to keep on top of garden maintenance. That means regularly clearing dry leaves and other debris or branches that could act as kindling should they be exposed to a spark.

Cutting your lawn and removing the dried grass is also advisable given the temperatures.

If you smoke, be careful about how you dispose of your cigarette butts or matches, as these can easily start a blaze if they are discarded without thought onto very dry ground. Ultimately, this is about being sensible and appreciating the higher risk of fire due to the hot weather.