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Ashes should be stored in a covered metal container placed outside and away from your home and any other combustibles.

The only time ashes are safe is when they are completely extinguished.

This ensures there is no heat, no sparks and not a single ember.

When it comes to safe ash removal, the danger is in the small bits of embers mixed and buried within the ashes.

These buried hot embers can stay dormant for several days because the ash acts as an insulator prolonging the embers from fully burning out.

Similar to any smouldering fire, sometimes all these embers need to cause a fire is a little bit of oxygen (which is readily available in the air).

Even when the ashes are disposed of in a proper container - metal can c/w tight fitting lid, elevated bottom and placed on a non-combustible surface - safe removal is not yet complete.
A fire hazard still remains if the ashes are removed from this safe container before all embers are completely extinguished.
There is no “set time” for determing complete extinguishment as it depends on several variables including:
size of embers type of wood burned type of ash can used
	If you are unsure, please err on the side of caution and leave the ashes in their safe container for a few days longer.
	Many wood burners utilize a “two” ash can rotation system as an extra precaution.
	For further information please contact our Public Education Division at 490-4017.