Is it OK to burn storm-fall or dead trees from my own property?
In Canton, before you burn anything from the yard, get the fireplace itself inspected. The Pigeon River flooding left a lot of hearths and gas appliances water-damaged, and a firebox or flue that took on water can hide rust, cracks, and blockages you can't see. Once it's confirmed sound, your own seasoned storm-fall is excellent, low-impact fuel.
Flood-touched fireboxes come first
Floodwater warps dampers, rusts steel components, and works silt and debris into flues and gas valves, and none of that announces itself when you strike the first match. Burning in a chimney with a hidden crack is how that crack meets fresh creosote and starts a fire. A level inspection confirms the firebox, liner, and any gas connection are actually safe before the heating season opens — a step worth taking on any Canton home that sat near the water. We pull the permit with Haywood County on any reline or replacement and meet the inspector.
Then season the valley's downed wood
Plenty of good hardwood came down around the valley, and using it is genuinely low-impact heat. Buck and split it now, and crib it up off the damp valley floor with the top covered, because Canton's morning river fog rusts hardware and slows drying. Green oak wants the full six to twelve months here — confirm it's under 20 percent with a moisture meter, since the outside can look ready long before the inside is.
Clean and swept
Burn only natural, untreated wood — never anything painted, treated, or reclaimed. Keep pine for starting fires, not steady heat. And keep up the annual sweep, more so at this elevation with heavy home-cut use. Call (828) 545-0525.
Fireplace help in Canton
We install and service fireplaces throughout Canton and the rest of Haywood County — just 20 minutes west from our Asheville-area showroom.