TIPS ON STARTING A FIRE
Warm the chimney by igniting some crumpled newspaper placed at the damper level, to induce an up-draft.
Start the fire small. Fires started too quickly can spill combustion by-products into the room. Use small amounts of tinder at the back of the hearth until the chimney is well heated.
Never operate exhaust fans or central vacuum cleaner when using the fireplace. |
USA home owners
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Canadian home owners.
WETT has been contacted regarding the use of their logo for this article. A logo linked to their website would speed up information about certified chimney inspectors in Canada. However, as of today, they have not responded to our request. |
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| The Dangers of Creosote - Disposal of Ashes |
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Save disposal of ashes. Creosote. Child guard shields. How to start a fire.
THE DANGERS OF CREOSOTE
The U.S. Fire Administration states that heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas every year. Often these fires are due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes.
The combustion process when wood is burned is never complete. The smoke from a wood fire usually contains a dark brown or black substance which has an unpleasant odor. This tar-like substance is called creosote and is found almost anywhere in a wood heating system.
At temperatures below 250 degrees F creosote will condense on the surfaces of stove pipes or chimney flues. When the temperature gets below 150 degrees F the creosote deposit will be thick, sticky and similar to tar. This tends to trap carbon from smoke which dries and bakes inside pipes and flues. This flaky substance is very flammable.
The amount of creosote condensing on the surfaces of the system varies according to the density of the smoke and vapor from the fire (less smoke means less creosote),the temperature of the surface on which it is condensing (higher temperatures reduce chance of creosote condensation) and the type and dryness of wood being burned.
Creosote may build up to a considerable thickness on the interior surface of the chimney and the draft opening may subsequently be reduced. A serious fire may be ignited if creosote is allowed to build up. Most problems with creosote are due to poor chimneys with a low draft, cold walls and burning unseasoned wood. .
DISPOSAL OF HOT ASHES
Ideally, fireplace ashes should be left untouched for a few days before removing them. Be sure to use a metal container if you have to remove ashes which are not completely cold. Never use plastic containers because ashes can stay hot for quite some time and melt the container. Never store the container in the garage. Move it outside and far away from the house and other stored combustible items such as fireplace wood supply, parked trailers, campers, boats, etc.
Wait at least a week before putting the ashes in your trash container out on the street for trash pickup.
CHILD GUARD SCREENS
Fireplaces and wood stoves can emit a lot a hot air and children or pets should NEVER be allowed close to the fireplace to prevent them from touching fireplace screens or doors. Always install a child guard screen to protect them from burns. Guards are available in many styles and sizes.
MORE FIREPLACE INFORMATION
WETT and CSIA certified fireplace inspections
Six ways to cure a smoky fireplace
Never burn ......................
TIP
IS YOUR CHIMNEY SWEEP CERTIFIED?
Depending on the range of services, some sweeps are WETT (Canada) or CSIA (US) certified and offer inspections of the chimney, interior flue and check attic spaces for any damaged areas that will need repair. Click on the logo(s) to the left to learn more about these professional organisations. |
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