Recent Flue Fire Leads To Fire Prevention Tips

Dec 04,2008 00:00 by Lawrence Harris
The Adair Co. Fire Dept responded to a flue fire on Millerfield Road off of KY HWY 206 on Friday at 1:23 P.M.
The residence owned by Ralph Grider, was undamaged and the fire was contained to the flue resulting in no damage to the home.
There were 5 firemen on the scene for around 45 minutes.In 2004 257 chimney fires caused about $1 million in damage and made up 60 percent of all the heating-related fires in the state.
Chimney fires can start with a low rumbling sound and then explode onto the roof or can smolder silently inside the chimney and build up intense heat that ignites combustible materials nearby.
Chimney fires are usually caused by buildup of creosote; a highly combustible and restricted air supply, unseasoned wood and cooler-than-normal chimney temperatures can contribute to creosote buildup.
To help prevent a chimney fire call a certified chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney annually, and have necessary repairs completed before you light a fire.
In addition to regular cleaning these steps can help avoid chimney fires; use seasoned wood only, build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke and never burn cardboard, wrapping paper, trash or holiday trees that can spark chimney fires.
If using a wood stove, install a stovepipe thermometer and adjust burning practices.
For information on selecting a chimney sweep, the chimney cleaning process and more, go to the Chimney Safety Institute of America web site at www.csia.org.