Ask SAM: Prevent fire hazard from woodstoves

This column is provided by Larimer County Extension's Small Acreage Management (SAM) Program to assist rural residents.

Dear SAM,

I use a woodstove to heat part of my house. What should I do to prevent fires that might damage my home?

Candice

Dear Candice,

The first step in preventing woodstove-related fires is to be sure the system is properly installed.

"We see more chimney fires from improper installation of stove pipes than any other cause," says Rick Baldwin, fire investigator for Poudre Fire Authority.

The most common problem is insufficient clearance between the stovepipe and the wood structure. If single-wall pipe is used from the stove to the ceiling or wall, allow 12 to 24 inches of clearance, depending on the product. Close clearance pipe, which is a double-wall pipe, requires only 6 to 9 inches of clearance.

Class A stovepipe is required when penetrating walls, ceilings or roofs. Class A pipe needs at least 2 inches of clearance between the stovepipe and the wood structure.

"Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing stovepipes," recommends Bill Eckert of Friendly Fire in Fort Collins. Proper installation is easier and cheaper than repairing fire damage to your home.

Proper maintenance can also protect against chimney fires.

If Santa recently squeezed his 42-inch waist through your 10-inch stovepipe he may have cleaned your chimney along the way. But if Santa came in through the front door, it might be time to call a professional chimney sweep. Your chimney should be cleaned and inspected annually.

Creosote is a brown or black deposit that can accumulate inside your chimney. Burning unseasoned wood, restricted airflow or cooler than normal chimney temperatures can cause creosote to accumulate.

At high temperatures the creosote in the chimney can ignite, resulting in a chimney fire.

Modern stoves burn more efficiently than older stoves. But annual inspections for creosote buildup or structural damage are recommended.

The first evidence of a chimney fire is usually the roaring noise. Clouds of black smoke and sparks puff out of the chimney top. Your first response should be to get everyone out of the house and call the fire department. Close the damper to reduce airflow to the fire. If possible, use a hose to wet your roof to prevent the fire from spreading.

After the fire has been extinguished, have the chimney inspected before you use it again. The heat from the fire can crack chimney walls, increasing the chances that a subsequent fire could spread to the rest of the house.

SAM

Have a question about rural living? Write to Ask SAM, Larimer County Cooperative Extension, P.O. Box 543, Fort Collins, CO 80522.