Preventing "Unfriendly Fires"

When temperatures go down, chimney fire incidents go up.

As recently as Jan. 8, the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to a chimney fire on Candlewood Hill Road. Interior firefighters removed a wood stove from the fireplace while exterior firefighters dropped creosote-busting chains from the roof.

At first, the idea of a chimney fire doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. A fire in the chimney is infinitely better than one in the dining room, right? Unfortunately, chimney fires can quickly spiral out of control. With older or improperly installed chimneys, even a so-called “contained” fire can sneak through cracks into the surrounding woodwork, potentially creeping into an attic and igniting a complete structure fire.

The recent polar vortex and resulting big chill caused most of us to crank up the heat While any overtaxed heat appliance carries a fire danger, that’s especially true for those that sat idle all summer or were not properly maintained prior to winter use – that’s the rule for everything from furnaces to fireplaces.

The United States Fire Administration estimates than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and various chimney inserts as their primary heat source. But many are unaware of the unique fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels. Heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas like Haddam every year. Often these fires start as creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes.

A roar – people have described the sound as a low-flying airplane – is usually the first indication of a chimney fire. If you hear this sound, and it’s growing louder, there’s a good chance you have a fire raging in your chimney. Clouds of black smoke and sparks may escape. If enough of the creosote catches, flames can leap several feet above the top of the chimney.

Chimney fires can also burn very slowly if they’re not being fed by much air or fuel. Don’t be fooled – these “sleeper fires” are no less dangerous than the dramatic ones that wake the whole neighborhood. At high temperatures, intense heat can actually pick the mortar out from between bricks or stones.

The good news is that like almost any type of residential fire, a chimney fire is completely avoidable. If you didn’t have your chimney or stovepipes thoroughly cleaned and inspected before the heating season, it’s not too late. Winter is far from over, so get them swept now to avoid paying a higher price later.

“One way to think about it is, who would you rather call, a chimney cleaner or your fire department?” said Haddam Fire Chief Sam Baber. “Protecting your home means doing everything in your power to avoid fire hazards, and people often forget about the chimney.”

Of course, if you suspect a chimney fire, don’t hesitate to call.

If dispatched, firefighters must first determine if the fire is restricted to the chimney. They will follow it from the basement to where it extends above the roof, and every inch in-between. Thermal imaging cameras help isolate any possible breaks in the flue that could be letting heat in and igniting the wood surrounding it. Ladders allow firefighters to access the roof to check the extent of the fire. Inside the house, other members will remove the fire from the fireplace or wood stove, potentially removing the stove completely.

A set of 25-pound chains may be lowered into the chimney from the roof, knocking off any burning debris clinging to the walls. If a chimney is completely blocked, firefighters drop a ball weighing approximately 40 pounds through the molten goop. At that point, if a ledge or other design inside the chimney keeps the fire to be quickly knocked down, dry chemical “bombs” from above extinguish the fire. A dry chem extinguisher may also be used from below if the chimney is still drafting air. Water should never be used because it expands while converting to steam.

Firefighters make every effort not to damage the chimney, roof, stove or surrounding floors by putting down tarps and using roof ladders, but more importantly, they can’t leave until they’re absolutely sure that the fire hasn’t extended into the house. 

Each year, the Fire Company responds to about a half dozen chimney fires, several that inevitably shows signs of extension into the walls. A call for a chimney fire takes firefighters several hours to clear, and can be dangerous depending on the height of the roof, the amount of ladder work needed, snow and ice. Because Haddam doesn’t have a ladder truck, members depend on ground ladders located on the Engines.

“Obviously we’re not trying to discourage people from using their chimneys, especially if it’s the primary heat source,” Baber said. “Just please have your chimney or wood stove checked out.”

Then you can cozy up by the fire with peace of mind.

Click here for more fireplace and home fire prevention tips from the USFA: http://tinyurl.com/3f8yd3s.

Do You Have What It Takes? Find more information on the activities of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. and ways you can get involved at our website www.HaddamFire.com, or connect with us on Facebook.