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WINTER HEATING FIRE SAFETY TIPS
The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have
caused many Americans to search for alternate sources of home heating. The
use
of wood burning stoves is growing and space heaters are selling
rapidly, or coming out of storage. Fireplaces are burning wood and
man-made logs. All of these methods of heating may be acceptable. They are
however, a major contributing factor in residential fires. Many of these
fires can be prevented. The following fire safety tips can help you
maintain a fire safe home this winter.
Kerosene Heaters
¨ Be sure your heater is in good working condition. Inspect exhaust parts
for carbon buildup. Be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in case
the heater is tipped over.
¨ Never use fuel-burning appliances without proper room venting. Burning
fuel (kerosene, coal, or propane, for example) produces deadly fumes.
¨ Use ONLY the fuel recommended by the heater manufacture. Never
introduce a fuel into a unit not designed for that type fuel.
¨ Keep kerosene, or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal
containers, in well-ventilated storage areas, outside of the house.
¨ Never fill the heater while its operating or hot. When refueling an oil
or kerosene unit, avoid overfilling. Use caution with cold fuel for it may
expand in the tank as it warms up.
¨ Refueling should be done outside of the home.
¨ Keep young children safely away from space heaters - especially when
they are wearing nightgowns or other loose clothing that can easily
ignite.
¨ When using a fuel-burning appliance in the bedroom, be sure there is
proper ventilation to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide.
Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
¨ Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (36'') from combustible
surfaces, and proper floor support and protection.
¨ Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary,
especially if it has not been used for some time.
¨ Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
¨ Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to
prevent embers or sparks from jumping out, unwanted material from going
in, and help prevent the possibility of burns to occupants.
¨ Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in
fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by
overbuilding the fire.
¨ Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal
amounts of carbon monoxide.
¨ Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. Never close
your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the
fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.
Furnace Heating
¨ Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper
working condition.
¨ Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs
yourself unless you are qualified.
¨ Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney
line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or
clearance may be required.
¨ Keep trash and other combustibles away form the heating system.
Other Fire Safety Tips
¨ Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal
container outside and well away from the house.
¨ Never use a range or an oven as a supplementary heating device. Not
only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of potentially toxic fumes.
¨ If you use an electric heater, do not overload the circuit. Only use
extension cords that have the necessary rating to carry the amp load.
¨ Avoid using electric space haters in bathrooms, or other areas where
they may come in contact with water.
¨ Be sure every level of your home has a WORKING SMOKE DETECTOR, and be
sure to check and clean it on a monthly basis.
Spark Arrestor
Requirements
California Fire Code—Section 1109—Control of
Sources of Ignition
1109.7
Sparks from Chimneys. Chimneys used with fireplaces or heating
appliances in which solid or liquid fuel is used shall be maintained with
a spark arrester as required for incinerators by the Mechanical Code.
EXCEPTION: Chimneys which are located more that 200
feet (60.960 mm) from any mountainous, brush-covered or forest-covered
land or land covered with flammable material and are not attached to a
structure having less than a Class C roof covering, as set forth in the
Building Code.
Spark Arrestor Requirements
C1-43. Chimneys,
general – UBC 3703.
Section 3707(f) of the Uniform Building Code, Height
and Termination, is amended to read:a.
Every chimney shall extend above the roof and the highest elevation
of any part of a building as shown in Table No. 37-B. All chimneys
attached to any appliance or fireplace that burns solid fuel shall be
equipped with an approved spark arrester. The net free area of the spark
arrester shall be not less than four times the net free area of the outlet
of the chimney. The spark arrester screen shall have a heat and corrosion
resistance equivalent to 12-guage wire, 19-gauge galvanized wire, or
24-gauge stainless steel. Openings shall not permit the passage of the
spheres having a diameter larger than ˝ inch and shall not block the
passage of the spheres having a diameter of less than 3/8 inch.
b.
When the valuation of an addition, alteration or repair to an
existing Group R Occupancy exceeds $1,000.00 and a permit is required, a
spark arrester shall be installed to the existing chimney in accordance to
subsection (a) above.
c.
Prior to January 1, 1992, all existing chimneys shall be fitted
with spark arresters whether or not any addition, alteration, or repair
has been done on a Group R Occupancy.
The Building Code is enforced by the Sac.
County Building Inspection Division—
916-874-6433
Should you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact the
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire,
Community Services Division at (916) 566-4000
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