Chimney Smoke and Creosote Formation
Creosote - Formation and need for removal:
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapours, which combine with expelled
moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapours condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a slow
burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited, this creosote makes
an extremely hot fire.
The chimney connector and chimney shall be inspected at least twice a year during the heating season to
determine if a creosote buildup has occurred. If creosote has accumulated it shall be removed to reduce the
risk of a chimney fire.
Wet or green wood contributes significantly to creosote formation as the excess moisture that is boiled
off, cools the fire, making it difficult for the tars and gases to ignite, thus creating dense smoke and poor
combustion.
Preventing a Chimney Fire
There are three things you can do to prevent chimney fires:
1. Do not let creosote build up to a point where a chimney fire is possible.
2. Do not have fires in the heater that may ignite chimney fires. These are very hot fires, such as when burn-
ing household trash, cardboard, Christmas tree limbs, or even ordinary fuel wood; (e.g.. with a full load on
a hot bed of coals and with the air control open for long period of time.)
3. Regular inspections and cleaning
In the event of a Chimney Fire
Chimney fires are dangerous. Temperatures inside the chimney can exceed 2000°F (1093˚C). This causes
much higher than normal temperatures on its exterior surfaces. Thus ignition of nearby or touching combus-
tible material is more likely during a chimney fire. Proper clearances are critical for safety, during such a fire.
Chimney fires are easy to detect; they usually involve one or more of the following:
• Flames and sparks shooting out of the top of the chimney.
• A roaring sound.
• Vibration of the chimney.
Contact your local municipal or provincial fire authority for further information on how to handle a chimney
fire. It is most important that you have a clearly understood plan on how to handle a chimney fire.
1. Prepare to evacuate to ensure everyone’s safety. Have a well understood plan of action for evacuation.
Have a place outside where everyone is to meet.
2. Close the air control on the fireplace.
3. Call your local fire department. Have a fire extinguisher handy.
4. After the chimney fire is out, the chimney must be cleaned and checked for stress and cracks** before
starting another fire. Also check combustibles around the chimney and the roof. - The services of a com-
petent or certified installer, (certified by the Wood Energy Technical Training program (WETT) - in Canada,
Hearth Education Foundation (HEARTH) - in U.S.A.,) are strongly recommended..
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