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Precautions
•Smoke detectors: A smoke detector is inexpensive insurance and is required by most localities. They can either work
on batteries, or can be hard-wired into your electrical system. If you have battery operated detectors, it is a good idea
to replace batteries on an annual basis (i.e.: every New Year’s day, or 4th of July, etc). They will sound an audible
alarm in the event of the presence of smoke. Smoke will almost always precede a wood fueled fire.
•Fire Extinguisher: If you burn wood, you should have at least one ABC dry chemical extinguisher. The chemical
extinguisher is preferable to water because the application of cold water to hot metal stove pipes can cause metal
parts to buckle or crack, thereby releasing more fuel to the fire.
•Carbon Monoxide Detector: These operate in a manner similar to smoke detectors but are usually user calibrated
and record minute quantities on a digital readout before sounding an audible alarm. The chances of carbon monoxide
being created and escaping from your properly installed and operated stove are miniscule. You may have other vent
ed appliances in your home that could be potential problems. The investment in a high quality carbon monoxide
detector is well worth its cost in the peace of mind it affords.
•Chimney inspection: Your connector pipe and chimney, or chimney pipe, should be inspected at regular intervals.
Examine the connector pipe for creosote, corrosion, loose seams, or excessive soot. Clean and replace as necessary. The
chimney, or chimney pipe, should be cleaned and checked by a certified specialist once a year. A small mirror held at
the cleanout door of a masonry chimney will be helpful. For a Class A prefabricated metal pipe, some disassembly is
usually required.
Emergency Procedures In The Event of a Chimney Fire:
If you have a chimney fire or runaway fire, follow these safety precautions:
1. Close the draft damper immediately, with a slow and even motion. This cuts off the supply of oxygen to the stove.
2. Call the fire department immediately.
3. Get everyone out of the house. One adult should stay in the house to check for sparks and signs of fire. Those out-
side should watch the roof for signs of fire.
4. If there is a danger of a fire, discharge the fire extinguisher into the stove. Do not pour or spray water directly into
the chimney as rapid contraction caused by the application of cold water could cause the tile liner in the chimney to
crack.
5. After the fire is out, check the stove, chimney connector and chimney carefully for signs of damage. The entire sys-
tem should be thoroughly inspected by a certified chimney professional.
Note: Chimney fires must be put out from the bottom. The entire system must be air tight to suffocate a fire; hence the
importance of having a tight cover on the chimney cleanout and not venting two appliances into a single flue.
The length of time it takes to bring a chimney fire under control depends on the amount of fuel in the stove, the rate at
which it is burning and the amount of oxygen available to it. The faster it is brought under control the less severe any
damage is likely to be.
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