Winter is quickly approaching, bringing with it the need to heat our homes. With the change in season, The Coeur d’Alene Fire Department typically sees an increasing number of fires caused by wood heating. These fires range in severity from a small chimney fire to a large, well-involved building fire. The common theme is that these are preventable fires.
An important aspect of safe wood burning is to burn only good, seasoned wood. This is important because it will burn cleaner. Alternative fuels such as garbage and coal will not burn cleanly through a wood stove or fireplace. It is extremely important to keep your chimney clean. It is recommended that you have your chimney checked at least twice a year if you burn regularly.
The ashes of fires cause several fires each year. If you are burning in a fireplace, it is vital that you use a screen to prevent ashes from ‘popping’ out of the fireplace and starting a fire. When you clean ashes out of a fireplace or wood stove, ensure that they are cold. Place them into a tightly sealed metal container for disposal. Regular garbage cans, cardboard boxes and paper bags will catch fire quickly.
If you are installing a wood-burning stove into your home, carefully follow the manufacturers installation and maintenance instructions. A permit is required for installation within the City of Coeur d’Alene, assuring safe installation.
Please take a few moments and evaluate the way you burn wood in your home. Is it safe? Are you doing everything possible to prevent a fire in your home? If you have any further questions about fire safety in the home, please contact the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department at 769-2340.
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