Should I run my fireplace during an Ottawa derecho-style storm and will it work if I lose power for days?

Do not run your fireplace during a derecho or severe windstorm in Ottawa. High winds create dangerous downdrafts and unpredictable air pressure changes that can blow smoke and carbon monoxide back into your home, even with normally well-functioning chimneys.

Ottawa's derechos — like the devastating May 2022 storm with winds exceeding 130 km/h — create extremely hazardous conditions for any fuel-burning fireplace or stove. The violent wind shears and sudden pressure changes can overwhelm your chimney's natural draft, forcing combustion gases back down the flue and into your living space. Even worse, flying debris can damage chimney caps, spark arrestors, or the chimney crown itself during the storm, compromising the entire venting system. Wait until winds subside to at least 30 km/h or less before lighting any fire.

Gas fireplaces will not work during power outages unless they have a battery backup or manual pilot light system. Most modern direct-vent gas fireplaces installed in Ottawa homes since 2010 use electronic ignition and require electricity to operate the ignition system, blower fans, and safety controls. However, some gas fireplace models do offer battery backup systems or standing pilot lights that allow operation during power outages — these are particularly valuable features for Ottawa homes given our frequent ice storms and wind events that knock out power for days.

Wood stoves and wood-burning fireplaces are your best bet for heat during extended Ottawa power outages, but only after the storm passes. A properly installed wood stove can heat 1,000 to 2,500 square feet depending on the model and your home's insulation, making it a genuine backup heating source during those multi-day January ice storms that leave thousands without power. The key is having properly seasoned hardwood stored and ready — you'll burn through 1/4 to 1/2 cord per week if you're relying on wood heat as your primary source during a prolonged outage.

Before the next major storm, identify which type of fireplace system you have and understand its power requirements. If you're considering a fireplace specifically for emergency heating during Ottawa's frequent power outages, prioritize a wood stove or wood-burning insert with a WETT-certified installation, or a gas fireplace with battery backup capability.

When you're ready to explore backup heating options that work during power outages, you can browse experienced fireplace installers through the Ottawa Construction Network directory who understand both Ottawa's severe weather patterns and the emergency heating needs of local homeowners.