Wood stoves cause fires at homes over weekend
Fire chief gives safety tips for winter heating
Thursday, February 4, 2010
ELKINS — The Elkins Volunteer Fire Department responded to two fires started by wood heaters during the latest wintery blast from Mother Nature.
“We responded to one on Friday night where the fire was confined to the flue, but the one on Saturday did more damage,” Fire Chief J.D.DeMotte said.
The Friday fire was at a home on Tomlinson Road, the second was on Mt. Olive Road at the home of Dennis Peaks.
DeMotte said the second fire caused about $10,000 damage to the home and $5,000 damage to the contents.
DeMotte said during the winter months it’s a good idea to inspect a fire place chimney or the pipe of a wood heater for cleanliness and condition.
“This time of year people use wood stoves more and other heat sources that aren’tused always used the rest of the year,” DeMotte said.
“Be sure to use multiple layer pipe going through the attic with a wood heater,” he added as a warning when installing a heater. “Be sure to use the pipe in the right place and make sure there aren’t any holes in the pipe. Sometime rust can cause damage.”
DeMotte said electric heaters can be another fire hazard during the winter.
“If someone is using one ofthose small electric heaters it is best not to use an extension cord, but if you have to make sure the cord used has the proper rating for those heaters,” he said.
The fire chief also said to keep flammable items such as clothing, blankets or any kind of paper items away from any kind of heat source.
“Keep good clearance away from any stoves, pipes or cords,” he said.
News, Pages 1 on 02/04/2010
Comments
To report abuse or misuse of this area please hit the "Suggest Removal" link in the comment to alert our online managers. Please read our comment policy.
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Registration is required to make comments. Click here to LOGIN.
You can register for FREE to post comments and receive alerts.