STEPS FOR BUYING THE RIGHT WOOD AND GETTING HOME FIRES BURNING.(AT HOME)

Byline: FRANCES INGRAHAM Staff writer -

There are several things to take into consideration when buying or cutting firewood and starting an aesthetic or heat-producing fire, whether in a woodburning stove or conventional open-hearth fireplace, according to the Chimney Doctor in Stephentown, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Fire Protection Association in Quincy, Mass.

You should first know the type of wood you are buying. Hardwoods are preferred to softwoods because the hardwoods produce more heat. Softer woods tend to maintain pitch pockets of sap; they either do not dry out entirely or take twice as long to season to …