Published on 15 July 2025
Posted in Firewood
When winter sets in and the log burner gets going, there’s nothing better than the cosy crackle of a fire. But if you have small children or pets in the house, safe firewood storage becomes a practical concern and a safety essential.
We often see the same challenges crop up: curious pets chewing on logs, children knocking over stacked firewood, or creepy crawlies sneaking into the house along with the timber.
If you’re keeping firewood indoors for easy access or stacking it outside ready for the cold months ahead, it’s vital to store it safely and sensibly.
Let us explore how to store firewood with pets and children in mind, offering safe firewood storage solutions for both indoor and outdoor settings.
If you’re using logs for wood burners or open fireplaces, keeping firewood too close to the heat source can be dangerous. Sparks, intense heat, and loose embers can quickly ignite nearby stacks, especially if they’re dry and unattended.
That’s why firewood safety at home starts with creating safe distances. Always allow for clearances around your stove, check manufacturer guidance if unsure, and use a fireguard if you have little ones or pets roaming nearby.
Even a small stack of logs can cause injury if it topples. A curious toddler tugging on a log or a dog knocking into the pile can lead to scrapes, bruises, or worse. Splinters are also common, especially from rough-cut timber, and loose bark or wood chips could pose a choking hazard for inquisitive mouths.
To create a child-proof firewood area, always stack logs securely and never higher than waist height. Containers or enclosed racks can help keep everything neat, stable, and out of reach.
Storing firewood near kids or pets brings another hidden risk: pests. Insects like spiders, woodlice, and even rodents love nesting in piles of untreated or damp wood. If you bring that wood indoors, you could be inviting those pests into your home, too.
This makes proper firewood storage pest control vital, especially in family homes.
Finally, damp logs can become a breeding ground for mould, which can trigger respiratory problems in children and pets. Mouldy logs smell musty, don’t burn well, and can lower indoor air quality if stored incorrectly.
Hence, always choose natural firewood that’s well-seasoned or kiln-dried, and keep it dry with smart storage techniques.
When it comes to indoor firewood storage safety, the goal is to balance convenience with care. You want your logs for wood burners close at hand, but not so close that they become a hazard.
Here’s how to make sure your indoor storage is safe, practical, and child- or pet-friendly.
The best place to store firewood indoors is somewhere near your fireplace or stove, but not right next to it. Heat and stray sparks can be unpredictable, so it’s important to maintain a safe distance. Always keep logs outside of the manufacturer’s clearance zone for your appliance.
Avoid high-traffic areas or play zones. If your little ones or pets like to explore, steer clear of hallways, under windows, or corners where they might tug, climb, or chew on the stack.
For pet-safe firewood storage, enclosed racks could be a brilliant option. Wall-mounted holders, metal log hoops, or sturdy firewood baskets with solid sides can help keep logs tidy and contained. They reduce the risk of tip-overs and also add a stylish, rustic charm to your living space.
Choose options that sit firmly on the floor and are made from heavy-duty materials. Wobbly wire baskets or open piles can become unstable very quickly, especially in busy homes.
When storing wood indoors, smaller is better. Use shorter or split logs that are easier to lift and stack, particularly when managing the firewood on your own or have older children who help fetch logs.
Smaller logs also make for a child-proof firewood area, which reduces the chances of large pieces falling or causing injury.
Wherever you store your wood indoors, it’s best to place it on hard flooring. Carpet can trap dirt, bark, splinters, and sometimes insects – and is a fire risk. A tiled hearth, stone slab, or wooden flooring is easier to clean and more hygienic for your home.
Hence, it is advised to lay down a fire proof mat or non flammable tray underneath your storage to catch loose bits and help with daily tidy-ups.
Now, let’s move outside. Storing firewood in the garden or near the home brings a different set of challenges, including weather, pests, and accessibility.
These outdoor firewood storage tips will help you keep your firewood dry, secure, and safe from curious little hands or paws.
Pick a spot that’s shaded, well-ventilated, and most importantly, away from children’s play areas and dog runs. Not only does this reduce the risk of accidents, but it also helps with firewood safety at home by keeping pests and damp at bay.
Avoid storing logs along footpaths or near driveways where they could be knocked or where children play unsupervised.
One of the simplest ways to improve your outdoor storage is to raise it off the ground. Use a pallet, wooden frame, or purpose-built firewood rack to keep logs elevated. This prevents ground moisture from seeping in and improves airflow underneath the pile.
It’s also a key method of firewood storage pest control, as many insects and rodents prefer the dark, damp space beneath ground-level wood piles.
Invest in a proper firewood store if you can. A slatted wooden shed, lean-to cover, or ventilated log store with a sloped roof will protect your logs from rain while allowing them to breathe.
If you’re using a tarp, make sure it’s loosely secured and doesn’t trap condensation. Breathable covers are best, as they stop water getting in but still let air flow freely.
Loose stacks can quickly turn into dangerous ones. Use crisscross stacking to interlock logs and create a more secure structure. You can also use side braces, like wooden planks or retaining bars, to keep the sides upright and prevent logs from spilling over.
This is especially important if pets or children are ever nearby.
It might seem convenient to tuck your log stack against the back of the house, but this can cause problems. Wood stored against walls can trap moisture and encourage mould growth, not to mention it creates a bridge for pests like ants or mice.
Where possible, leave a gap between your wall and the wood stack to promote airflow and reduce the risk of damage to your home’s exterior.
In winter, you’ll want your firewood close to the house, dry, and easy to reach. Make sure your stack is covered and that the access path is safe and slip-free.
In summer, it’s a great time to rotate your stock. Use older wood first and inspect any leftover logs for signs of mould or pests. This seasonal check-in helps keep your supply fresh and safe for the next burn season.
Old wood at the bottom of the pile often becomes forgotten and damp. By rotating your firewood and using the oldest first (a simple “first in, first out” system), you’ll keep your supply dry, usable, and free of rot or infestation. It’s also a great way to monitor the quality of your stash year-round.
If you’re looking for firewood for sale that ticks all the safety boxes? At The Log Dog, we provide premium-quality kiln-dried hardwood that’s ideal for family homes across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.
We offer a range of options to suit your needs:
We deliver to homes across Banbury, Brackley, and Southam, with loose logs transported in our tipper truck, no fuss, no plastic bags.
Need help stacking your logs? We offer a stacking service too. The price depends on:
Don’t hesitate to call us at 01295 256436 to chat about your firewood needs. We’re always happy to help.
To deter chewing, opt for pet-safe firewood storage, raised racks, enclosed containers, or hidden storage boxes that work best. Keep logs in a separate area from your dog’s toys or bed. You can also redirect their attention with chew-safe toys to prevent them from gnawing on bark or rough wood.
For safe firewood storage outdoors, stack logs off the ground using a pallet or rack. Keep them covered with a breathable tarp or store them in a ventilated log shed. Avoid placing them against walls, near play areas, or dog runs to reduce the risk of pests, mould, and accidents.
It can, especially if it’s damp or mouldy. Mould spores can trigger allergies or respiratory problems in sensitive individuals. Always choose kiln-dried natural firewood, store it in a dry place, and inspect it regularly to ensure it’s clean, safe, and suitable for indoor use around pets and children.
Kiln-dried hardwood is the top choice for indoor burning. It has low moisture content, produces less smoke, and burns cleaner. This makes it safer to store and better for your indoor air quality, especially important in homes with children, pets, or anyone sensitive to smoke or allergens.
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