Saturday, April 24, 2010

Wood Fire Safety Tips

Wood fire safety tips may be one of the most important bits of advice that you will receive. In these days of escalating uncertainty due to high unemployment and rising energy prices, wood stoves or furnaces are becoming very popular. However, as with all forms of combustion, weather it be wood, gas or oil, specific precautions should be followed.

Fire allows us to keep our body temperature within the normal range. It enables us to cook our foods; thereby killing any potential deadly bacteria that may be in it. But, as much of a lifesaver that fire can be; it is also capable of easily turning into a life taker.

The burning of wood produces creosote; a black, tar like highly flammable substance that clings to the inside of your wood stove chimney. Flammable is the key word here. If this creosote buildup is allowed to accumulate, a tremendous chimney fire can occur. This endangers the lives of the occupants of the home and sometimes even destroys the whole house. Rule number one, chimneys must be routinely and thoroughly cleaned; preferably by a professional chimney sweep. Every effort should be made to eliminate the presence of creosote.

Rule number two, burn only thoroughly dry hardwood that has been split to fit into your particular stove. Dry hardwood produces less creosote because it burns hotter. Try to resist the tendency of overloading the stove. This may increase its' outer temperature enough to ignite nearby articles.

Rule number three, which really should be rule number one; leaving a fire unattended for a long period of time is asking for trouble. So, enjoy you wood stove while you reduce your energy costs; but be alert and cautious at all times.

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