Safety Hazards & Fire Protection

Would You Flag This? The Hidden Hazard Beneath a Wood Stove

That cozy wood stove might be hiding a fire safety concern. Discover required hearth extension clearances and non-combustible floor protection rules.

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November 04, 2026 1 min read

Would You Flag This? The Hidden Hazard Beneath a Wood Stove

#wood stove hearth requirements#wood stove floor protection inspection

That cozy wood stove might be hiding a fire safety concern. Would you have noticed it?

Wood stoves require adequate non-combustible floor protection (hearth pad) extending beyond the loading door (typically 16-18 inches) and sides (8 inches).

Placing a wood stove directly over or too close to combustible flooring like vinyl, laminate, or wood without a certified insulated hearth pad poses an extreme fire hazard due to ember fall-out and radiant heat transfer over long burn cycles.

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Mahon Services Residential Inspection LLC proudly serves Muskingum County, Licking County, Perry County, Guernsey County, Morgan County, Noble County, Coshocton County, and surrounding areas throughout central and southeastern Ohio.

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