A Family Run Business
Smoke Signals: What Your Firewood’s Smoke is Telling You
We all love the crackle of a log fire — but what about the smoke? Whether it's billowing out of your chimney or leaking into the room, excess smoke isn't just annoying — it's a signal that something's wrong.
In this post, we’ll decode the different types of smoke your fire can produce, explain what’s causing them, and show you how to burn cleaner, safer, and more efficiently with the right firewood — and the right techniques.
🌫️ Not All Smoke Is the Same: What It Can Tell You
Each type of smoke tells a different story. Here's how to interpret it:
🔘 White Smoke
What it means: Your wood is too wet.
Cause: High moisture content causes the water inside the wood to evaporate and condense into white vapour — not fire.
Fix: Only burn logs with <20% moisture — ideally kiln-dried and Woodsure Ready to Burn certified.
✅ J&H Logs supplies kiln-dried hardwood logs with moisture levels below 20% — guaranteed to burn cleanly and efficiently.
⚫ Grey Smoke
What it means: Incomplete combustion.
Cause: Could be from restricted airflow, a cold flue, or smouldering logs.
Fix: Check your air vents, make sure kindling is dry, and ensure your chimney/flue is warm enough to draw.
🟤 Black Smoke
What it means: You're burning poor-quality or treated materials.
Cause: Often caused by painted wood, MDF, or wood contaminated with chemicals. Also a sign of creosote build-up.
Fix: Stick to clean, untreated, certified firewood. Avoid burning rubbish, furniture scraps, or wet timber.
❌ Never burn painted, varnished, or treated wood — it releases toxic fumes and contributes to dangerous soot and tar deposits.
✅ Minimal or No Visible Smoke
What it means: A perfect burn!
Cause: Dry hardwood, proper airflow, and a well-maintained stove.
Result: Maximum heat, minimal pollution — exactly what you want.
🔥 What Causes Excess Smoke?
If your fire is smoking, it’s often down to one or more of these issues:
| Problem | Resulting Smoke | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wet or unseasoned logs | White/grey smoke | Use kiln-dried, <20% moisture |
| Restricted airflow | Grey smoke | Open vents, check ash pan |
| Cold flue | Downdraft/smoke | Preheat flue with firelighters or kindling |
| Wrong wood type | Black smoke | Avoid resinous, treated or softwood-heavy logs |
| Blocked chimney | Backdraft/smoke inside | Call a chimney sweep! |
🪵 How to Prevent a Smoky Fire
Here are some tips to avoid smoky situations:
-
Use kiln-dried logs – low moisture = cleaner burn
-
Start with dry kindling & natural firelighters – build heat and draft quickly
-
Avoid “smothering” the fire – let air in
-
Clean your stove & chimney regularly
-
Never burn waste, wet wood, or treated timber
🔥 Stock up on Ready to Burn kiln-dried logs, natural kindling, and eco firelighters from J&H Logs — and enjoy smoke-free, stress-free burning.
❓ FAQ: Common Questions About Firewood Smoke
Should I see smoke from my chimney?
Ideally no — or very little. Clean-burning logs and a hot flue should produce little to no visible smoke after startup.
Why is smoke coming into my room?
Could be a cold flue, downdraft, blocked chimney, or wet wood. Crack a window when starting the fire and use dry kindling.
Is it normal for logs to smoke when they first go on?
A little smoke is okay at first, but it should quickly turn into a clean, hot burn if your logs are dry.
Does wood smoke smell bad?
Overly smoky fires often smell acrid or sour — a sign you’re burning wet wood or poor-quality fuel.
🔚 Final Thoughts: Don't Ignore the Signals
Smoke is your fire’s way of telling you something’s wrong. By using the right wood, keeping your airflow open, and maintaining your stove, you can enjoy a warm, safe, and smoke-free experience.
💡 Want a cleaner, brighter burn this winter?
Browse our full range of kiln-dried hardwood, kindling, and firelighters