More than 30,000 residential fires originated in fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and chimneys
By: Steven Spearie
The warm glow from a fireplace can have practical and aesthetic qualities. But unmanaged chimneys and unattended fires can spell trouble.
According to statistics from the U.S. Product Safety Commission, more than 30,000 residential fires originated in fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and chimneys. That translated into $181.8 million in property damage, 220 injuries and 70 deaths.
Bill Klein, owner and operator of Klein’s Chimney Sweep Service in Springfield, Ill., says chimneys should be swept after a homeowner has burned a cord of wood, or approximately a year. If creosote buildup over the damper is "thicker than a nickel," or if creosote can be shaken loose, says Mr. Klein, it’s time to have the chimney swept.
Chimney fires, he says, are most likely the result of bad construction or too large a fire in the fireplace.
Bad tubing, especially in older chimneys, is a main culprit, says Mr. Klein. "The last five to 10 years, the quality of fireplace construction has been excellent," says Klein.
An out-of-control fire, propelled by flammable material like wrapping paper or old Christmas trees, can make for a dangerous situation. The myth that burning apples or beer cans in the fireplace prevents creosote buildup is just that: a myth, says Mr. Klein.
A fire should consist of no more than a couple of logs, good seasoned hardwood, such as hickory or oak. Pine, in addition to being highly flammable, can gum up the fireplace flue and give off a maleficent odor.
Start with a small kindling fire, says Frank Kruger of Marx Energy Systems. Don’t start a fire with charcoal lighter or kerosene and don’t burn charcoal, plastics or plastic foam indoors because of potential carbon monoxide poisoning, he says.
Gradually building up fires also is recommended if you have a newer unit, says Mr. Kruger. The metal should be cured, and a large fire in a new unit may burn off the paint and oil.
Most in the industry recommend mesh fire screens to prevent sparks and cinders from flying out. Objects should be kept 3 feet away from the fireplace. No flammable materials should be placed on the hearth, says Mr. Kruger.
Tongs, a shovel and a brush are requisite materials near the fireplace. Keep a fire extinguisher in the home, and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Chimney caps, says Mr. Klein, keep 95 percent of moisture out of the chimney, in addition to birds, spiders and other creatures. A chimney cap, which runs about $60, can prove a wise investment in preventing a potential chimney fire.
When removing the ash, make sure it’s put in a fireproof container, says Mr. Klein. Flues and chimneys should be checked for cracks and other obstructions; dampers should be checked for operability.
Never leave children unsupervised in rooms with open fires, and keep matches and fire-lighters up.
Fireplaces can be installed in existing houses for $2,000 to $3,000, although some systems run more, says Mr. Kruger. Most prefabricated fireplaces come with up to 25-year warranties.

