Wood and Pellet Stoves
As the weather cools down many households will turn to wood and pellet stoves to heat their homes. While the safe and proper use of stoves can help keep the cost of heating down, improper use and maintenance of the stove and its pipes can result in costly damage and potentially loss of life. Last Winter Sheridan responded to two house fires caused by the improper storage/disposal of hot ash from fireplaces. The damage was estimated to be over $50,000, fortunately no injuries were reported.
Ashes can remain hot enough, up to 72 hrs, to ignite a fire. The recommended procedure to dispose of ashes is to place them in a metal container, soak them with water and cover with a tight fitting lid. The container should be placed outside a safe distance from the side of the house and away from any combustible material. Your chimney should be inspected for signs of interior and exterior damage and the pipes need to be cleaned once a year.
It is also important to test your smoke detector every year to ensure they are properly working in the event of a fire in your home. 3000 people die each year from house fires. Two thirds of these deaths are a result of non-functioning or no smoke alarms in the home.
As the weather cools down many households will turn to wood and pellet stoves to heat their homes. While the safe and proper use of stoves can help keep the cost of heating down, improper use and maintenance of the stove and its pipes can result in costly damage and potentially loss of life. Last Winter Sheridan responded to two house fires caused by the improper storage/disposal of hot ash from fireplaces. The damage was estimated to be over $50,000, fortunately no injuries were reported.
Ashes can remain hot enough, up to 72 hrs, to ignite a fire. The recommended procedure to dispose of ashes is to place them in a metal container, soak them with water and cover with a tight fitting lid. The container should be placed outside a safe distance from the side of the house and away from any combustible material. Your chimney should be inspected for signs of interior and exterior damage and the pipes need to be cleaned once a year.
It is also important to test your smoke detector every year to ensure they are properly working in the event of a fire in your home. 3000 people die each year from house fires. Two thirds of these deaths are a result of non-functioning or no smoke alarms in the home.
Chief Davis