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Woodstove
Safety
Protecting
Your Home
 With
the ever-increasing cost of home heating, more and more energy
conscious people are installing wood stoves. An undesirable result
has been a corresponding increase in the number of wood stove and
chimney fires. In fact, over one-half of the one-and two-family
dwelling fires in rural and suburban areas are caused by wood fuel
use.
Burning wood
requires more work and attention than simply adjusting a
thermostat. To reduce the chances of having a fire in your home,
follow the recommendations in the Woodstove Safety pamphlet below on
proper selection, installation, maintenance and operation of a
wood stove.
Selection
and Installation
When
choosing a wood stove, select one which is listed by a nationally
approved testing laboratory. The stove should: be made of a safe
durable material with a long life-span; sized for the the area to
be heated; have air tight door gaskets, sealed joints, a secure
latch, and a draft control to regulate the fire.
If a second
hand stove is purchased, it should not have any broken parts or
cracks which would make it unsafe to use.
Proper
installation of a wood stove is the foundation for safe operation.
READ AND FOLLOW the manufacturer's installation instructions. Also
consult the local code enforcement official and fire department
for their recommendations, code requirements and necessary
permits.
The following
diagrams illustrate the installation recommendations of the State
Fire Prevention and Building Code.
Know
Your Wood Stove
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Once
the wood stove has been installed, become familiar with its parts
and their operation. Proper maintenance can reduce the possibility
of fire.
- The
stovepipe is the vital link between the stove and the
chimney. When setting it up, use 24 gauge or thicker
pipe. The pipe should be as short and as straight as possible.
Secure each joint with at least three screws. The horizontal
part should rise one-quarter inch per foot.
The pipe should be installed so that an upper pipe section
fits inside the lower section. This allows the creosote to
flow inside the pipe. the stovepipe should extend into the
thimble so the end of the stovepipe is flush with the inner
end of the thimble.
A damper is used to control draft and loss of volatile gas. If
there is no damper in the stove, one should be installed in
the stovepipe.
-
The
chimney serves two functions: it creates a draft, and it evacuates
the gases of combustion. It should extend at least three feet above
the highest point where it passes through the roof and two feet above
any portion of the building within 10 horizontal feet of the chimney.
If connecting to an existing chimney, it should be inspected before
using. A complete inspection includes a check of the inner liner for
cracks and deterioration, unused openings properly sealed and a check
that the chimney is clean and unblocked.
When correctly installed in accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications and properly maintained, prefabricated chimneys are a
safe and relatively inexpensive way to remove smoke and gases from the
stovepipe. This is done through an existing wall or roof to the
outdoors. All prefabricated chimneys for use in residences must be
approved and listed in accordance with UL 103 or meet the requirements
of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
-
Creosote
is a deposit formed in the chimney and stovepipe as condensed wood
smoke. The amount that forms varies according to the density of the
smoke, the surface temperature of the chimney and the type and dryness
of the wood being burned.
Creosote is formed when wood smolders and does not burn completely. To
help reduce creosote buildup, burn a hot roaring fire for 15 to 30
minutes every day. Also, be sure not to overload the firebox so
sufficient oxygen is available to keep the fire burning.
-
Fuel.
When choosing fuel for a wood stove, become familiar with the various
types of wood:
Seasoned wood is cut down at least six months prior to burning
and is preferred over green wood because it has less moisture content.
Green wood burns but much of the stove's efficiency is
sacrificed.
Softwood does not produce more creosote. It burns faster and is
usually preferred for kindling.
Hardwood generally burns longer than softwood and generates
more coals.
After
Installation
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The
following precautions should be taken to ensure the greatest amount of
safety:
-
Check
the stovepipe and chimney for buildup of creosote. Clean these areas
when accumulation exceeds one-quarter inch.
-
Never
use a flammable liquid to start a fire and never work with a flammable
liquid in the same room when a wood stove is in operation.
-
Use a
metal container with a tight-fitting lid for ash disposal. Dispose of
ashes only after they have cooled.
-
Keep
children away from the stove. Even a quick touch to the stove's
surface can result in severe burns.
-
Install
a smoke detector for early warning in case a fire starts.
-
Develop
and practice an escape plan from all rooms in the house.
Additional
Information
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Fire
safety brochures available from the Department of State include:
-
Arrest
Arson
-
Barbecue
Safety
-
Christmas
Tree Safety
-
EDITH
- Exit Drills in the Home
-
Fireplace
Safety
-
High-Rise
Fire Safety (also available in Spanish)
-
Home
Fire Extinguishers (also available in Spanish)
-
Hotel/Motel
Safety
-
Smoke
Detectors
-
Wood
Stove Safety
Contact:
NYS Department of State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
162 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12231
(518) 474-6746
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