The presence of glaze indicates enough fuel build-up to cause a chimney fire capable of damaging the structure and spreading to the home.
This item is available in full to subscribers.
To continue reading, you will need to either log in to your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account and connect your subscription to it by clicking here.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active, online-only subscription then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
As temperatures get colder, many people start their first woodfires of the heating season, seeking the warmth of a cozy fire, but not the unhealthy smoke or the creosote build-up in the chimney that can increase the risk of a house fire.
The less efficient the fire, the more wood-smoke pollution is produced and the more potential for creosote to build up. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a leading factor contributing to fires from home heating is a dirty chimney (i.e., creosote build-up).
Here are some tips from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for burning the right wood, the right way, in the right appliance for a hotter fire with less smoke and creosote.
Burn the right wood
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood for a hotter fire with less smoke. Wood burns most efficiently if the moisture content is 20 percent or less.
• Split your firewood before storing — it dries much faster. Slope the woodpile cover to encourage rain runoff.
Burn wood the right way
• The easiest way to get a fire going is to build a small fire. Use seasoned pieces of kindling or an all-natural fire-starter. Gradually add larger pieces of split, dry firewood.
• A fire needs oxygen. Provide sufficient air to the fire and keep space between logs when adding more fuel.
Use the right appliance
• Upgrade to a cleaner wood-heating device like an EPA-certified pellet device or catalytic/hybrid wood stove or fireplace insert. A properly installed and operated EPA-certified wood stove (or fireplace insert) can reduce air pollutants by 70 percent compared to older uncertified models. Find cleaner-burning appliances at www.epa.gov/burnwise.
• Have your wood burning appliance and chimney inspected and maintained annually by a certified professional for optimal performance and reduced creosote build-up.