HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979 01-31 'Potential' danger comes from woodburning stoves, Schadt says THE REVIEW "Potential aanger comes trom
woodburning stoves, Schadt says
Many Maplewood residents are en- system. The system along with the firewood is.Large loads of wood burned
dangering their lives by installing faulty weather conditions,such as temperature, slowly will cause creosote formation.And
woodburning stoves and fireplaces, barometric pressure and wind,determine the problem is compounded by un-
Maplewood Fire Department officials how quickly the wood burns.A particular seasoned wood.The solution is to burn
report to the Review.City building codes problem occurs during mild spring and shorter hotter fires during mild weather.
and the procurement of proper permits fall days.Many woodstove operators turn
are being ignored by residents who often down their stove and let it smolder,This Let the fire go out when a comfortable
suffer tragic results from their continues for several days and causes a ,temperature is reached.
negligence. large amount of condensation and —If a stove is operated 10 to 20 hours a
"People don't know the danger creosote buildup within the stove pipe and day at a low burn,it's good idea to con-
potential of woodburning stoves,"says Al chimney walls. If the system is not in- duct a"hot burn"daily.This means a
Shadt,Maplewood Fire Marshal."They spected and cleaned, as soon as cold small load of low density wood,split into
burn green wood which clogs their weather hits and the stove is fired up to small pieces and burned for 10 to 20
chimneys and creates a condition that high temperatures, the creosote can minutes at a high rate with the draft open
soon may cause smoke damage and a fire ignite in the chimney—a chimney fire! wide. An inspection should be done at
in their homes. least twice a month and a thorough
"No way would I put a woodburning —No stove is immune to possible cleaning is necessary when the creosote.
stove in my house," Shadt said. "I'm creosote buildup,no matter how dry the buildup is/s or greater.
perfectly satisfied with the good job of — - -- –
heating that my furnace does. I don't
want to take the risk.People don't un-
derstand that a woodburning chimney has
to be cleaned as often as once a month."A
clogged chimney can heat up,crack and
throw sparks out in between your walls
and onto your roof,he said.
"People are constantly calling us
asking why their chimney cracked."
Usually it's because of residue built up
inside that overheats the mortar and
brick.The resulting crack can be fatal,he
said.
FIRE PREVENTION
AUTHORITIES RECOMMEND:
Firewood should be cut, split and
stacked at least 9 to 12 months before
burning.Low-density soft woods like pine,
fir,and cedar,and low-density hardwoods
like aspen,cottonwood and basswood are
best for kindling.When dry,they ignite
more quickly than denser hardwoods like
oak, hard maple and hickory. High
density woods give maximum heat output
and burn long.They are especially good
for overnight burning.
—All stoves should have a draft-control