You have enjoyed a cozy fire, the flames have completely died down, and the charcoal looks grey and lifeless. It seems completely safe to scoop it out and toss it in the rubbish bin, right? Think again.
The Hidden 5-Day Thermal Hazard
According to safety warnings from FMG Insurance, buried coals and fine wood ash can easily retain enough internal thermal energy to reignite for up to five full days after the fire has gone out. Shoveling seemingly cold ash into a plastic rubbish bin or a cardboard box is a frequent cause of devastating residential deck and garage fires across New Zealand.
The Safe Disposal Protocol
- Always use a heavy metal bucket: Never use plastic containers or cardboard bags for ash containment.
- Drench with water: Carefully pour water directly over the collected ashes to thoroughly extinguish hidden hot spots.
- Store outside and isolated: Place your sealed metal bucket far away from wooden decks, exterior house cladding, retaining walls, or dry garden foliage.