10
CREOSOTE
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapours. These combine with moisture to
form creosote. 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 should be inspected regularly during the heating season to determine if a creosote
build-up has accumulated. If this is the case, the creosote should be removed to reduce the risk of
chimney fire.
WAYS TO PREVENT AND KEEP UNIT FREE OF CREOSOTE
1. Burn with air control open for several minutes at numerous intervals throughout the day during the
heating season, being careful not to over-fire unit. This removes the slight film of creosote accumulated
during low burn periods.
2. Burn stove with draft control wide open for several minutes every time you apply fresh wood. This
allows wood to achieve the charcoal stage faster and burns wood vapours which might otherwise be
deposited within the system.
3. BURN ONLY SEASONED WOOD. Avoid burning wet or green wood. Seasoned wood has been
dried for at least one year.
4. A small hot fire is preferable to a large smouldering one that can deposit creosote within the system.
5. Establish a routine for the fuel, wood burner and firing technique. Check daily for creosote build-up until
experience shows how often you need to clean to be safe. Be aware that the hotter the fire, the less
creosote is deposited and weekly cleanings may be necessary in mild weather even though monthly
cleanings may be enough in the coldest months. Contact your local municipal authority for information on
how to handle a chimney fire. Have a clearly understood plan to handle a chimney lire.
ASH DISPOSAL
This unit features a convenient ash lip for easy removal of ash. During constant use, ashes should be
removed every few days, or whenever ashes get to three to four inches deep in the firebox. Remove
ashes only when the fire has died down and the ashes have cooled, as in the morning. Even then, expect
to find a few hot embers.
Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should
be placed on a non-combustible 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. Other waste should not be placed
in the ash container.
WARNING: Things to remember in case of chimney fire:
1. CLOSE DRAFT CONTROL. 2. CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
