Solid Fuel Burners - safety reminder by George Stephens
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Posted June 1st, 2010
George Stephens
Senior Fire Risk Management Officer
Strategic Partnerships
AUCKLAND FIRE REGION
2 Poynton Terrace, Newton
P O Box 68444
Newton, Auckland 1145
Phone: (09) 354 5150
Fax: (09) 302 5170
Mob 0274 583 206
June 2010
With a recent approach from a member of the community voicing their concerns about the lighting up process for their newish installed, enclosed, solid fuel burner and with the cooler months upon us and I believe the colder winter months ahead, it is timely to raise the awareness about heating appliances and in particular solid fuel burners both open and enclosed.
As you will see from the stats below, from the Fire Service, the issue of fire burners is not a big one, considering the number of homes that would have these types of burners, but in most occasions and I would suggest that these types of incidents are the same, the majority of fire related incidents occurring in the community, are not reported and adequately taken care of by the occupants.
Some basis points to consider:
1] Installation. Does it meet the building code requirements? Has it been installed by a recognised installer? If not this may affect your insurance cover. Contact your local installer of Territorial Authority for advice.
2] Maintenance. Regular cleaning of the chimney (at least once a year) is recommended by the Fire Service. Prevention is better than the cure (a fire). Ideally by a qualified chimney Sweep who can inspect your installation at the same time and give you a report. A good idea, in case you have to supply evidence of regular, due care, to an insurance assessor.
3] Burning Material. Only use untreated timber and if possible hard wood, as this burns hotter and less likely to soot build up in the chimney. DO NOT burn domestic rubbish. This is illegal by law and can add to maintenance issues later on. Contact the ARC Environmental Services for more information or visit their website.
4] Instructions. Use, as recorded in the installation instructions. When you have to remove the ashes then let them cool down and place then in a non combustible container (steel can) and store away from any combustible materials. i.e. away from the house. Ashes although you may think they are cold can start a fire a few days later so be very careful. If the ashes are clean they could be recycled in your garden.
Don't forget the fire guard and the heater metre rule. EVERYTHING from the heater MUST be a metre. Watch those children please.
5] Back Up. Working smoke alarms in every living area. Plus a practiced effective escape plan "just in case".
For more information about this and other fire safety information, contact for chimneys, your telephone directory or Google chimney sweepers/installations.
Contact your local fire station or visit our web site www.fire.org.nz
Fire Service quote:
"We have a problem with incorrect installation of wood burners with about 40 fires each year attributed to poor installation.
There are about a further 10 fires per year involving wood burners and attributed to operator failure.
Only about 2 fires per year involving wood burners are specifically attributed to a design deficiency, but we can’t distinguish what sort of deficiency was involved."
Have a safer winter by being more fire aware and reduce those risks.
Fireman George