String of C.O. flue fires prompts call for safety steps

It may not have been the coldest or snowiest winter for Central Oregon so far, but it’s been cold enough to fire up the wood stoves and fireplaces – and that has brought a string of destructive flue fires that officials say can be prevented with some simple steps.

Heating equipment is a leading cause of residential structure fires, with the peak number of fires reported during the months of December, January and February, Bend Deputy Fire Marshal; Cindy Kettering said Tuesday.

From 2008 to 2012, there were a total of 1,995 home heating fires across Oregon, resulting in 58 injuries, nine deaths and over $28 million in property damage.

Locally, Bend has seen a total of 15 flue fires in the past year, with six of those occurring within the past month, Kettering said.

A La Pine family recently lost their home and belongings to a fire that originated in the chimney flue – and this was the second catastrophic fire they had suffered due to this cause, she said.

Here are some simple tips for keeping your home safe:

Have a Certified Chimney Sweep clean and inspect heating equipment for creosote build-up, cracks, crumbling bricks, damaged pipes and obstructions at least once each year for occasional users, twice per year if wood is your primary source of heat. Only physical cleaning can remove creosote buildup. Wood stove cleaning logs may be effective in preventing creosote buildup but do not remove creosote already on the flue lining. Replace any loose, damaged or worn parts; be sure that all stovepipe sections are tightly secured together.
Ensure your chimney cap has an approved spark screen to prevent escaping sparks from igniting your roof and keep tree branches trimmed at least 10 feet from chimney.
Burn only dry and well-seasoned wood. Wet wood increases creosote build up. Always use a fireplace screen made of sturdy metal or heat-tempered glass to prevent sparks from escaping. Keep anything that can burn, including furniture, firewood and other combustibles at least 3 feet from your woodstove or fireplace. Create a 3 foot “kid and pet free zone” around your fireplace or woodstove.
Never use flammable liquids to start your woodstove or fireplace!
Place ashes in a metal container with a tight cover and place outside 3 feet away from combustible materials such as decks, porches, woodpiles and out-buildings. Ashes can remain hot for several days after disposal; ensure the ash is cold to the touch before disposing of them further.
Ensure that your home has working smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Remember, carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless – an alarm just might save your life! If you have a flue or chimney fire close the draft controls, call 911, and go outside. If you do have a fire, have the fireplace or woodstove inspected by a qualified professional before using again – the heat of a chimney fire can easily damage components.