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Wood Burning Tips so this doesn't happen to you!!

1. Get an annual chimney check. Have chimneys inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary, by a qualified professional chimney service technician. This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimneys.
2. Keep it clear. Keep tree branches and leaves at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney.
3. Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of the chimney.
4. Choose the right fuel. For burning firewood in wood stoves or fireplaces, choose well seasoned wood that has been split for a minimum of six months – one year and stored in a covered and elevated location. Never burn Christmas trees or treated wood in your fireplace or wood stove.
5. Build it right. Place firewood or fire logs at the rear of the fireplace on a supporting grate. To start the fire, use kindling or a commercial firelighter. Never use flammable liquids.
6. Keep the hearth area clear. Combustible material too close to the fireplace, or to a wood stove, could easily catch fire. Keep furniture at least 36″ away from the hearth.
7. Use a fireplace screen. Use metal mesh or a screen in front of the fireplace to catch flying sparks that could ignite or burn holes in the carpet or flooring.
8. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Place detectors throughout the house and check batteries in the spring and fall. When you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time (November 6, 2011), remember to check your batteries.
9. Never leave a fire unattended. Before turning in for the evening, be sure that the fire is fully extinguished. Supervise children and pets closely around wood stoves and fireplaces.
10. Holmes Fire District 1 recommends annual inspections preformed by a certified chimney sweep.

                                                                               What to Do if You Have a Chimney Fire

If you realize a chimney fire is occurring, follow these steps:

            1)Get everyone out of the house, including yourself
            2)Call the fire department.

If you can do so without risk to yourself, these additional steps may help save your home. Remember, however, that homes are replaceable, lives are not:

            1)Put a chimney fire extinguisher into the fireplace or wood stove
            2)Close the glass doors on the fireplace .
            3)Close the inlets on the wood stove .
            4)Use a garden hose to spray down the roof (not the chimney) so the fire won’t spread to the rest of the structure.
            5)Monitor the exterior chimney temperature throughout the house  for 2 to 3 hours after the fire is out

January 4, 2012 at 0628 Holmes Fire District # 1 was paged to a Garage Fire on TR 107 in Mechanic TWP.  Engine 702 from Station 2 was first on scene and had the fire quickly extingished. Engine 701, Tanker 703 and Medic 55 also responded. All units were in serivce by 0730.

       

In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape.

Holmes Fire District 1
  PO Box 7
  8478 SR 39
 Millersburg, OH 44654
     (330) 674-1926
   email@holmesfiredistrict1.org

                                      
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