If you have a chimney fire . . .

Aftermath of a chminey fire

Link to article :

http://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/Prevention-Products/articles/959129-Chief-Error-leads-to-loss-of-Maine-house-in-fire/

. . . please call the fire department without fail! Over the weekend I was reading about a man who lost his home after a chimney fire broke out not once, but twice about five and a half (5.5) hours apart. According to the article, the man had a fire break out in his chmney around 2:30 p.m. and his neighbor, who is a Assistant Chief with a local volunteer fire department, gave him a chimney fire flare (which was later found unused) and, a short time later, both men agreed the fire was out. Later that evening - around 8:00 p.m. according to the article - the homeowner heard what he described as a "clinking sound like ice breaking" and found the second-floor of his house charged with smoke. Again he contacted his neighbor who, this time, radioed the Penobscot Regional Communications Center in nearby Bangor, Maine. However, by the time the first units arrived, flames were well in control of the second-floor of the dwelling and had already burned several holes through the roof.

Here are some safety tips that I have learned - and taught - regarding fireplaces, wood burning stoves, and chimneys:

Chimney fire flares -

These flares (which look very similar to a road flare) work by burning VERY HOT which consumes the oxygen that would otherwise fuel the chimney fire. However, hidden fire can continue to smolder so it is of the uttermost importance to call the fire department even if the flames appear to have been extinguished.

Integrity of the chimney liner -

These need to be checked each year prior to lighting the fireplace or wood-burning stove because they can crack or otherwise deteriorate. It is also very important to check them if a chimney fire has occurred previously because the results can be devastating to the construction of a masonry chimney. The reason being that they aren't built with room to expand and, therefore, when exposed to the high temperatures of chimney fire, they break due to the extreme pressure.

Have the chimney (and fireplace) inspected -

In addition to the chimney liner, the entire chimney (and fireplace) should be inspected and cleaned atleast once a year. Not only will this clean out cresote - and other flammable by-products produced by a fire - it will also remove any critters such as birds, squirrels, or even bees that might have "taken up residence" while the fireplace wasn't being used.

A little prevention could have prevented this.



Until next time . . .