Fire safety important for wood burners

As the weather cools and residents stoke their fireplaces and turn on their heating elements, it’s important they keep in mind the risk of structure fires caused by home heating.

Last week Ferndale and Bigfork fire departments responded to a roof fire in Ferndale that was burning around the chimney.

The fire was small, and after cutting a few holes in the roof to access it, the volunteer fire departments had it safely out. It is typical in the colder months for local fire departments to be called to chimney fires. It is important to be aware and maintain your heating units to prevent a structure fire, Ferndale Fire Chief Ken Sharr said

In homes with wood burning fireplaces or wood stoves, Sharr said it’s important to keep the chimney clean throughout the burning season. He also recommends burning clean, dry wood that is well seasoned.

While there are professionals that can be hired to clean chimneys the fire department also has a brush and rod used for cleaning that community members are able to use.

The frequency of cleaning depends on how often the fire place or wood stove is used, and what is being burned in it. “They just need to be aware,” Sharr said.

Sharr said to be aware of what is kept around any heating unit, and make sure it was installed correctly. If a stack is too close to structural members of the house, the heat can conduct through the metal and start a roof or attic fire.

That is what happened in the Ferndale incident, though the homeowner had done all of the right things, Sharr said. 

“The key to all of this is just being very fire aware, and maintaining your heating unit,” Sharr said. “And that can go for a furnace too, whether it’s gas or propane.”

Sharr also said with daylight savings time coming up on Sunday, it is a good idea to change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors when you turn your clocks back.