Everything about Chimney Fire totally explained
A
chimney fire is the
combustion of
residue deposits referred to as
creosote, on the inner surfaces of
chimney tiles,
flue liners,
stove pipes, etc. The process begins with the incomplete combustion (
burning) of
fuel in the attached
appliance, usually a
wood or
coal stove. The unburned volatiles are heated to the
vapor state but not consumed due to a lack of adequate
heat and
oxygen within the appliance. These volatile
distillates escape into the chimney, where they contact cooler surfaces and condense into
tar-like deposits. Successive
layers accumulate until either the chimney plugs completely, or the chimney reaches a
temperature and oxygen level at which the deposit will
ignite. Due to the concentrated level of volatile material now present, these fires tend to burn very hot. The high temperatures stress the mechanical strength of the chimney causing distortion of metal structures, and failure of ceramic structures.
Causes of the deposits which lead to chimney fires include using
green/
wet fuels, the operation of appliances with insufficient air intake, and low operating temperatures for prolonged periods followed by hot fires. Such practice typically occurs when mild weather periods are followed by
cold snaps.
Steps to avoid this buildup of deposits include running appliances hot during initial ignition phase regularly, building short hotter fires, regular cleaning of flues, and using interior chimney structures where possible versus chimneys attached to exterior walls. The latter tend to be cooler contributing to the problem as well as creating
downdrafts which tend to introduce
smoke into the structure as the fire subsides.
Control includes denial of oxygen, addition of extinguishing agents, and removing heat sources. Local
fire authorities should be immediately notified due to the danger of failure of the chimney to maintain integrity, and spread of fire within adjoining
partitions of the structure.
Additional hazards include the possible buildup of toxic gases such as
carbon monoxide within the structure due to restricted flues.
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