17/06/2026
A cosy fire is one of the best parts of winter, but without proper care, it can quickly become a risk.
Hot ashes can stay dangerous for days and are a common cause of fires in household bins, rubbish trucks, and transfer stations.
👉 Follow Kaia's simple tips to keep safe this winter: bucket it, wet it, bag it, and bin it.
1. Use a metal container (never plastic or cardboard)
2. Take it outside, and soak the ashes thoroughly with water.
3. Leave them to cool for at least five days before placing them in a sealed bag and putting them into your red rubbish bin.
And remember, ashes don’t belong in your organics bin, as they can contaminate compost.
🪴A quick myth check: while wood ash is often used as a garden fertiliser, it can contain concentrated heavy metals like arsenic. This can pose a risk, especially in vegetable gardens or areas where children and pets play.
Stay warm. Stay fire-safe.
