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IMPORTANT: FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT OR CUSTOMER SERVICE ISSUES,
DO NOT RETURN TO THE DEALER, CALL FIRE CHIEF AT 1-800-875-4788.
First Coal Fire:
Burning coal is much harder than burning wood. There is more care and work in building and maintaining a coal fire than a wood fire.
Anthracite is the best coal to burn, due to its long even burn with higher heat output and clean burn quality but is more difficult than
Bituminous coal.
The size of coal is important. “Nut” coal sizes of 4 inches for Bituminous and 2¾ to 4½ inches for Anthracite coal are recommended.
Never use coal other than the sizes recommended. If the coal is too small it will smother the fire and if it is too large the coal will not burn
well.
When burning Bituminous coal, start the fire with wood (as described above). Always use dry kindling, as this will provide a hotter fire
and add small pieces of wood until you get a good hot ember bed. At this point add a small amount of coal. When the coal is hot enough
to ignite, add small amounts at a time, so as not to smother the fire. Keep in mind that Bituminous coal will require more maintenance as
this type of coal will produce more soot, requiring more frequent cleaning to prevent buildup.
Also make sure that the spin draft control is wide open to establish the correct burn pattern. When adding coal to Bituminous fires always
add coal to the center of the bed creating the cone effect. Bituminous coal is more volatile and adding coal to the center of the bed
causes the flames to drive off the volatile gases. Remember that no two installations and chimney set-ups are the same, so be prepared
to experiment until you achieve the desired results. Always allow enough air to the firebox so that volatile gases are properly burned.
When adding fuel, remember to break up the cone with a poker if it has formed a crust, but be careful to avoid mixing the coal as this can
form clinkers. For overnight burn operations, follow the above instructions and adjust the chimney damper.
When burning Anthracite coal, start the fire with wood (as described above). Add layers of coal making sure not to smother the fire, the
third layer should be a little heavier. Before adding more fuel, be sure to leave a red spot in the center of the bed. This hot spot will help
ignite the gases given off the new charge. A deep charge will give a more even heat and a longer fire. It may take up to a couple hours
before the whole bed is fully ignited. When the fire is established and the home is becoming warm, you may adjust the damper. It may
still take some experimenting with the spin draft to ensure proper operation, as no two installations are the same. Once the coal bed has
reduced to half its original depth it is time to add fuel to the furnace. At this point pull out the bypass rod and open the spin draft. This will
allow the fire to burn off the accumulated gases. Open the fuel door, using a small rake or hoe pull the coals towards the front of the bed,
trying not to disturb the fire too much. Next, add coal to the back, being careful not to seal off the top. Keep the ash drawer cleaned out
to ensure good airflow. You may want to start this banking process early in the evening before retiring or before leaving the home so that
you may make proper adjustments after the fire is well established.
WARNING: Load fuel carefully or damage may result.
NOTE: Do not burn coke, charcoal, highly volatile Bituminous coal, sub Bituminous, lignite or cannel coal (sometimes called channel
coal or candle coal). Never burn wax or chemically processed logs, such as fire logs as their use is for fireplaces only. Please follow all
guidelines in this manual concerning wood and coal burning applications due to safety concerns and to maintain warranty coverage.
BURN WOOD AND COAL ONLY!
Fuel Recommendations:
For the FCOS1600D model, heat resistant gloves are recommended when loading the furnace. Only use dry, seasoned hardwoods in
your Fire Chief Furnace rather than high resin woods such as pine. Firewood should be cut at least one full season prior to the time of
its intended use for optimum heat output. Firewood should be stacked to provide a free flow of air between the logs; this allows the wood
to season faster. If wood is stored outdoors, it should be completely covered year round to protect it from moisture and exposure to the
elements. Use extreme caution when opening the ash drawer and fuel door during operation, temperatures can exceed 300° F. Wait at
least 10 seconds after releasing the first latch, then proceed to the fully open position. The dual latch system has been incorporated as a
safety feature, which was designed to reduce the possibility of gaseous ignition. Heat resistant gloves are recommended when opening
the fuel door, regulating the spin draft or emptying the ash pan.
