Bellfires BM 21, Installation Manual, Page: 36 / 38

Operating Instructions & Maintenance
36
Keep These Instructions
for Future Use
NEVER USE GASOLINE, GASOLINE-TYPE
LANTERN FUEL, KEROSENE, CHARCOAL-
LIGHTER FLUID, OR SIMILAR LIQUIDS TO
START OR “FRESHEN UP” A FIRE IN THIS FIRE-
PLACE. KEEP ALL SUCH LIQUIDS WELL AWAY
FROM THE FIREPLACEWHILE IT IS IN USE.
Use solid wood or processed
solid fuel firelogs only.
Do not poke or stir logs while they are burning.
Use only firelogs that have been evaluated for
the application in fireplace and refer to firelog
warnings and caution markings on packaging
prior to use.
Beware of burning certain materials in your fireplace.
These items include plastic, poison ivy , and chemically
treated woods such as pressure-treated lumber, discarded
telephone poles, or railroad ties. These not only create air
pollution, they can induce extreme illness or irritation for
some individuals. Do not burn driftwood that has been in
the ocean or in salt water as the salt will corrode the chim-
ney. Do not abuse the fireplace by overfiring by burning
paper, cardboard, or construction materials such as
pressed wood, plywood, or lumber. Some fuels, such as
charcoal, natural gas, etc., give off carbon monoxide when
they burn. As this is a toxic gas you should insure that the
fireplace does not spill flue gas into the house.
Disposal of Ashes
Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a
tight fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should
be placed on a noncombustible floor or on the ground
well away from all combustible materials pending
final disposal. If the ashes are disposed of by burial in
soil or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be
retained in the closed container until all cinders have
thoroughly cooled. Ashes should never be placed in a
container with combustible materials.
Chimney Maintenance
CREOSOTE–Formation and Need for Removal
When wood is burned slowly it produces tar and other
organic vapors which combine with expelled moisture
to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the
relatively cool chimney flue of a slow burning fire. As
a result creosote residue accumulates on the flue lin-
ing. When ignited this creosote makes an extremely
hot fire.
The chimney should be inspected at least twice a year
during the season to determine if creosote buildup has
occurred.
If creosote has accumulated it should be removed to
reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
Check the specific chimney manufacturer’s instruc-
tions on removal of the chimney cap for chimney
cleaning.
When the fireplace is first placed in use inspect the
chimney frequently and clean the chimney anytime
an accumulation of
8
” thick or more is observed on
the flue walls. The frequency of these inspections can
be increased or reduced appropriately after a pattern
of accumulation has been established. Please note how-
ever that changes in the outside environmental condi-
tions such as temperature and humidity, or changes in
the operation of the fireplace can lead to rapid buildup
of soot and/or creosote.
To clean the chimney obtain the services of a qualified
and reputable chimney sweep or remove the accumula-
tion with brushes on wooden, poly, or fiberglass poles.
Do not use metal pipes, chains, wires, etc., to clean the
chimney because such items can scratch the surface of
the stainless steel flue which can shorten the life of the
flue and provide a rough surface for soot particles to
attach to.
In addition to checking and cleaning the chimney on
a regular basis, be sure to inspect the chimney before
starting a fire at the beginning of each heating season.
Make sure the chimney is clear from any accumula -
tion of soot, creosote, or any other debris and that all
chimney joints are intact.
BM, BMR Operating Instructions & Fireplace & Chimney Maintenance