Released October 29, 2009
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. - As cold weather approaches, there's nothing like a roaring fire in the fireplace. But danger can lurk in fireplaces and chimneys, said Mark Keaton, Baxter County extension staff chair with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"Every year, Arkansas homes are destroyed by fires that start in fireplaces and chimneys and wood-burning stoves and furnaces," said Keaton.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 20,600 fires and 40 deaths per year are associated with fireplaces and chimneys. Arkansas ranks among the leading states in fire deaths.
Burning wood in homes is popular for aesthetic and economic reasons. It is estimated that nearly 250,000 homes, about one in four Arkansas homes, burns wood.
When the first big cold front comes through, people stoke up a fire in their fireplaces, and invariably there will be several chimney fires, according to the state fire marshal's office. "A roaring fire can ignite tar and creosote that have built up in the chimney," said Keaton. This buildup can serve as fuel for a possible fire.
Most of the time, burning firewood is a safe experience, he said.
Safety begins with an annual inspection and, if necessary, a thorough cleaning of the chimney. The state fire marshal's office recommends hiring a reputable chimney sweep to inspect and clean. Some insurance companies will provide homeowners a financial incentive to get an inspection.
Homeowners can also take a look in the flue themselves, said Keaton.
First, take the cap off the top of the chimney. Either shine a flashlight down the chimney or drop a light bulb on the end of an electric cord down the chimney to inspect the tile for cracks and for tar and creosote buildup. If there is a pipe from a fireplace insert in the chimney, check it for rust and creosote buildup.
If there is a problem with buildup, clean the tile or pipe with a brush designed for that purpose, then re-inspect to make sure no additional damage was caused. Also check the firebox for cracks and buildup.
Smoke detectors are a cheap prevention from a devastating fire, said Keaton.
"Make sure smoke detectors are in working order and that flammable objects are moved at least three feet from a fireplace or wood-burning stove," he said.
Additional tips
- Use kindling wood for fireplaces lacking a gas starter. "Newspaper shouldn't be used because the flaming paper can rise and ignite a chimney if it has creosote buildup," said Keaton. Don't use wood treated with a preservative for kindling or firewood. Inhaling the smoke from this wood can be dangerous.
- Start and finish the fire with hot, dry wood to help eliminate residue buildup in the chimney. "Don't put a large green log on the fire and let it smolder through the night," said Keaton. It doesn't burn as hot as dry wood, and it causes buildup.
- Burn only seasoned firewood. Wood should be cut and stacked for use the following year. This makes the wood burn hotter and cause less residue buildup in the chimney, said Keaton.
- Artificial logs, made from compressed sawdust or wood chips mixed with wax or paraffin, burn evenly and have the advantage of not being as messy as firewood, said Keaton. However, they are expensive. They make excellent fire starters, or may be used instead of firewood.
For more information on fire safety, visit http://www.arhomeandgarden.org/your_home/Fire_Safety/heating.htm.
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http://www.uaex.edu/news/october2009/1030fireplace_dangers.htm
Contact: Elizabeth Fortune, (501) 671 - 2120, efortune@uaex.edu
