Posted by Suzanne Turner on Tue, Jan 05, 2010 @ 08:53 PM
There is nothing like the bone-penetrating warmth of a wood fire, but unfortunately with cold winter weather and increased use of a wood stove comes an increasing risk for chimney fires.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America offers some tips for preventing chimney fires and keeping carbon monoxide out of your home.
Inside:
• Keep the hearth area clear. Combustible material too close to the fireplace, or to a wood stove, could easily catch fire. Keep furniture at least 36 inches away from the hearth.
• Use a fireplace screen. Use metal mesh or a screen in front of the fireplace to catch flying sparks that could ignite or burn holes in the carpet or flooring.
• Choose the right fuel. For burning firewood in wood stoves or fireplaces, choose well seasoned wood that has been split for a minimum of six months to one year and stored in a covered and elevated location. Never burn Christmas trees or treated wood in your fireplace or wood stove. Avoid burning trash and paper.
• To start the fire, use kindling or a commercial firelighter. Never use flammable liquids. Arrange the firewood in a crisscross matrix that allows air to flow underneath, around and up through for best burn. Build it right. Place firewood or fire logs at the rear of the fireplace on a supporting grate.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Supervise children and pets closely around wood stoves and fireplaces.
Outside:
• Get an annual chimney check. Have chimneys inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary. This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimneys. Never allow creosote to accumulate more than ¼" on the walls of the chimney. Creosote is formed when the hot gases coming off of the fire hit the cold walls of the chimney. The best way to avoid creosote build up is to line the chimney with a flue that is sized appropriately for the appliance that is being vented and to burn hot fires of dry properly seasoned wood.
• Keep the roof clear. Keep tree branches and leaves at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney.
• Install a chimney cap. This keeps debris and animals out of the chimney. It also protects your investment in your chimney. A flue without a cap is just like having a hole in your roof.