As temperatures dip, the familiar sight of smoke from chimneys and wood stoves becomes a staple of the local landscape.
However, one tradition local fire chiefs would like to eliminate is the corresponding increase in chimney fires.
Each year, local fire departments are called to a number of such fires, and with the bitter cold in recent weeks, there seems to be an influx of stove/chimney fires across the county.
Centre Wellington
In Centre Wellington, Fire Chief Brad Patton said it’s a bit too early to know whether the numbers will be up or down this season in terms of chimney fires.
“On a rough average we respond to six to eight chimney fires fire per year, some leading to tens of thousands of dollars of loss,” said Patton.
“The numbers tend to peak in the beginning of the heating season because of homeowners who either fail to do proper cleaning or maintenance of the chimney from the previous season – or it is a combination of both.”
Patton said the best way to reduce chimney fires is to have the chimney cleaned annually just before the heating season.
“The second line of defense,” Patton explained “is ensuring what is being burned is good clean, dry hardwood which has been dried properly.
“A lot of people make the mistake of using a wood stove or fireplace as an incinerator and put in all kinds of paper products, garbage, and poor wood such as soft maples.”
Patton said those materials can produce a tremendous amount of creosote, which builds up.
He added that when the material dries out it catches fire and can burn anywhere from 1,600 to 1,800F, which can easily destroy the chimney and spread into the walls of the house causing all sorts of problems.
A third common cause – even if the chimney is cleaned – is that people throttle back on the dampers in the evening, creating a smoldering fire that lasts until morning.
The problem is there is not enough heat to take the smoke out quick enough, so it cools as it goes up the chimney, which can lead to creosote build up.
Patton noted it is a good idea to run the stove hot occasionally to prevent that buildup.
He commented, “What we ask people to do is when it is safe to do so – throttle off the damper/close the damper to the appliance and wait outside.”
He explained “These types of fires can get very nasty very quickly and we certainly don’t want anyone inside the house if that was to happen.’’
Patton said because of the high heat, there can be additional damage and the chimney must be inspected by a qualified inspector to determine damage to either the mortar or metal casings.
He added, sometimes the fire is so intense it can create a vacuum, causing metal liners to collapse.
Puslinch
In his Jan. 21 report to council, Puslinch Fire Chief Steven Goode brought up the issue of wood stove safety.
“There is nothing cosier than a warm, bright fire on a cold winter’s night. Unfortunately … at least 12,000 lives are lost each year in the United States from residential fires according to National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA)statistics,” Goode said.
He noted, “Whether installing a wood stove or ensuring your existing stove is installed properly, one must bear in mind required clearances from curtains, furniture and the house itself are being met.
“NFPA standards call for a 36-inch clearance between a room heater stove and any combustible surface.”
Like Patton, Goode agreed wood supply is another important factor in preventing chimney fires.
“Green (moist) wood should never be burned. It produces less heat and more creosote,” he said. “It is recommended to split and stack your wood for at least six months prior to burning. Never burn cardboard, rubbish and combustible waste.”
He also advised caution burning artificial logs as well, since many burn too hot and can cause masonry damage or warp metal.
Goode offered a some guidelines for wood burning appliances:
– only burn dry seasoned wood in an appliance inspected twice a year by a qualified individual;
– keep the area clear around the stove and flue and respect minimum clearances;
– keep a fire extinguisher close by and familiar to family members;
– ensure smoke and CO alarms are installed and tested according to regulations;
– children must be supervised at all times when wood stoves are in use;
– to start a fire, crumple paper on stove floor and cover with kindling. Open the damper fully and light. Hold door open till fire is burning and close the door tightly. Never rekindle with kerosene, gasoline or lighter fluid;
– be careful when removing ash, as it can contain live coals; and
– never vacuum out the stove, always place ashes in a metal container with a lid and keep it outside away from combustibles.
Mapleton
Mapleton Fire Chief Rick Richardson reported, “We have only had one minor chimney fire this winter, which is lower than normal for us.”
Guelph-Eramosa
In Guelph-Eramosa, the local fire department took a slightly different tactic and posted a YouTube video on wood stove fire safety at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MrPpohCa_s
Additional information
The government of Canada CMHC publication – Guide to residential wood heating woodbook is available at omfpoa5.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/guide-to-residential-wood-heating-woodbook.pdf.
