Chestnuts Roasting On An Open (Chimney) Fire...

Though just about all of us have already begun to heat our homes, some residents may leave lighting the fireplaces, wood stoves, and other more rustic heating elements until the holiday season when their charm will be recognized at a major function or party.  But lurking within these heating elements are hidden dangers.

Last December firefighters in South Kingstown responded to six chimney fires, including two on Christmas Day, and one structure fire at 1743 Kingstown Road that was caused by the storage of combustible materials too close to a basement wood stove.  Do yourself a favor and listen in as South Kingstown Assistant Fire Marshal Chris Hiener and Fire Marshal Bob Emmott clue us in on a few winter fire safety tips:

Most South Kingstown residents have heating costs on the brain. Whether primarily heating their homes with oil, gas or electricity, local families are struggling to meet the challenge of record-high energy costs this winter. While the projected rise in heating costs this winter could be devastating for many wallets, increased use of alternative heating equipment – like pellet stoves, wood stoves and space heaters – could have an even more devastating effect on the already serious home heating fire problem.

As a leading cause of home fires, heating is a concern for every community every winter. This year, with the projected increase in use of alternative heating equipment, families need to be especially vigilant to use all heating appliances properly.

Alternative heating sources are not inherently a greater fire risk; with caution they can be used safely. That's why The Union Fire District is encouraging residents using pellet stoves, wood stoves, space heaters or any other supplemental home heating equipment this winter to follow this advice:

Portable electric space heaters

• Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
• Use and purchase portable space heaters with an auto shut off so if they're tipped over they will shut off.
• Place space heaters on solid, flat surface at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.

Fuel-burning space heaters

• Always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer.
• When refueling, allow the appliance to cool and refuel outside or in a well-ventilated area.
• If the pilot light of your gas heater goes out, allow 5 minutes or more for the gas to go away before trying again, do not allow gas to accumulate, and light the match before you turn on the gas to the pilot to avoid risk of flashback.

Wood and pellet-burning stoves

• Wood stoves should bear the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets.
• Keep the doors of your wood stove closed unless loading or stoking the live fire.

At best, not heeding this advice could result in superficial property damage. At worst, you could lose loved ones who may be unable to escape the rapid course of a preventable fire, as well as the comfort and safety you've always felt in your home.

Make sure your home has smoke alarms on every level, outside each sleeping area and inside every bedroom and test them monthly to be sure they are working. Be sure your home has both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms or combination alarms that include both technologies. Plan and practice your home fire escape drill. And, please install carbon monoxide alarms in your home to protect your family from this silent killer.

"With wood stoves and fireplaces you need to make sure your chineys are inspected and swept," said Fire Mashal Bob Emmott.  The best time for this is before October, but its December now and instead of $150 you may be looking at a much higher cost for a chimney sweep, and quite the wait according to Amanda Dailey at Wakefield Fireplace and Grill.

If you're the get up and go kind of person, their store offers a variety of equipment at a reasonable price for chimney cleaning.  Brushes and poles are available from $15 to $30 apeice, as well as other cleaning supplies.  Don't forget to check and clean the stove pipe that connects the chimney to the stove.