The Chief's Corner

November 2007

During the cold winter chills, everyone enjoys the warmth and ambiance of the crackling wood fireplace or stove. However, when the fire escapes the compartment in which it is supposed to be contained, it no longer holds its romantic appeal. Fires caused by supplemental wood heating units are one of the major fire problems we experience at the Cole County Fire Protection District, during the winter season. Keeping and maintaining a wood-burning appliance in your home is like keeping any other dangerous item. The safety is in how you install it, use it, maintain it and respect it.

Burning wood in open face fireplaces has been known to "pop" embers outward onto combustibles, such as carpeting. Be certain and have protective doors or a screen to deflect the flying embers. A proper installation will also have a sufficient non-combustible hearth area to catch embers.

Improper clearances during installation can cause, through the heat of usage over the course of years. Wood can eventually ignite at an unusually low temperature, in a hidden space behind your wall or in the flue chase. You won't know it until the fire breaks out.

Bird nests in the flue can ignite and extend to your house. In the spring, birds build nests up in high places; trees, utility poles, houses and, of course, chimney flues. The eggs hatch and the birds abandon the nest through the summer. During the first cold snap in the fall, everyone lights up the first fire of the season. If the flue has not been checked, a hot ember can be carried up the thermal column in the flue and land in the flammable nesting material. The burning nest can either burn out harmlessly or fall onto your roof or into the combustible chase, or through an opening in your attic, causing a major fire. The solution is to have the flue checked prior to the first fire of the season.

Creosote is an oily substance found in wood. It is found in abundance in freshly cut wood, commonly known as "green wood". That is why it is recommended to age the wood for about a year or so before burning it. In a hot burning fire, the creosote oil is burned more readily and the oily vapors rise out of the firebox on the thermal column. If you have a wood burning stove, the type with dampers that can be turned way down for minimal air flow which is good for those "all night burns," this creosote problem becomes most prevalent. Those vapors build up heavy creosote deposits, which can burn with great intensity.

With wood burning stoves normally having very low flue gas temperatures and thus the high creosote buildup, they must be maintained on a more frequent basis than fireplaces. Typically, the flue should be cleaned and checked monthly, although how often depends on the frequency of use and how hot the flue gasses are kept. A rule of thumb is that it should be attended to after every cord of wood burned, or monthly.

A creosote flue fire is unmistakable and frightening. It rumbles and roars, as the very hot flue fire demands lots of air. The vent pipe may glow a dull red. Flames may shoot from the chimney on top of your roof, much like an afterburner on a jet. If this happens, immediately close the firebox and dampers to suffocate the fire. Get out of the house immediately and dial 911.

If you do not properly care for your wood burning fireplace or stove, it can become dangerous. Remember proper installation and cleaning of the flue will allow for a safe and danger-free atmosphere for you and your family. Have a safe and happy holiday season, enjoying your wood burning heat.

Sincerely,

Donald Braun

Fire Chief Donald "Donnie" Braun