Curing outdoors only: carbon monoxide and fire safety

If a curing fire is going to be lit in a garage, a shed, a porch or a tent "just because it's raining", stop. Carbon monoxide can kill, and it gives no warning. Don't. Light the fire outdoors, in open air, or wait for a better day.

What carbon monoxide is

Carbon monoxide, shortened to CO, is an odourless, colourless, poisonous gas that can cause sudden illness and death¹. You can't smell it or see it. A US state agriculture department (NCDA&CS) adds that devices meant for outdoor use can give off potentially deadly carbon monoxide gas if used indoors².

Signs of CO poisoning can include dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, headaches and shortness of breath². If you suspect poisoning, get fresh air straight away and call your emergency number. The source says to call 911, which applies in the United States; elsewhere, use your own country's emergency number¹.

The rule for every fuel-burning cooker

These notices are written about grills, generators and heaters. They don't mention pizza ovens, so read them as the general rule for any cooker that burns fuel, and follow your own manual for the oven.

• Use charcoal or gas grills outdoors, always².
• Never use them inside your home, basements, garages or other enclosed spaces¹.
• Don't run them near an open window or window air conditioner, where fumes may enter the home¹.
• Don't store, place or use a propane cylinder in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed or tent².

Open garage doors don't change the rule for engines. The first notice says not to run vehicles or engines in a garage even with the garage doors open².

Where to put the oven

The oven should sit in open air. Follow your own manual for clearances, supervision and fire-fighting equipment. Some countries also have rules on how far an oven must be from a boundary or building. I haven't quoted any here, so follow the manual and your local fire authority.

Burning rules and fire bans vary by place and day. Check your local fire service or council before you light. Take the rules from them, not from this page.

Fire safety during the cure

Curing fires are small, but they're still fires.

• Cure with the oven's insulation fitted. One maker says that without insulation, it can present a fire and safety hazard³.
• Don't use liquid fuel such as firelighter fluid, gasoline, lantern oil or kerosene to start or keep a fire going³.
• Don't use space heaters to cure an oven. The same maker says they should not be used³.
• Don't use water to lower the heat or put the fire out, as the maker says³.

Gas ovens

A gas oven has a burner and a gas connection. Follow the maker's instructions for hooking up and lighting it. Any change to a gas line is a job for a licensed gas fitter, not for you.

Odd soot afterwards? Read this once the oven's cold. For the day-by-day plan, see the typical schedule.