7
R
EMOVAL OF ASHES
Remove ashes only when the fire is out and the ashes are cold. Lift the wood grate until it rests against the
rear refractory; then remove the ashes.
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. Do not leave the ashes in the house as they give off carbon
monoxide and other toxic gases.
OPERATING THE SECURE HE43-1
F
UEL
The Secure HE43
-
1 is designed to work best when fueled with seasoned cordwood. Hardwoods are
preferred to softwoods since the energy content of wood is relative to its density. Hardwoods will result in a
longer burning fire and less frequent refueling. A moisture content of 15% to 20% (seasoned) is preferred.
Excessively wet wood will be difficult to burn and will result in lower efficiency and increased creosoting.
Do not burn scrap or garbage, treated wood or wood such as driftwood from the ocean which has been
exposed to salt or other chemicals. Salt or chemicals can corrode the firebox and chimney. Do not abuse
the unit by burning large amounts of paper, cardboard, Christmas tree branches or building construction
materials such as pressed wood, plywood or lumber. Intense firing with these may overheat the fireplace,
causing damage to the unit, a fire, or even possibly igniting a chimney fire, if the chimney is creosoted
.
F
IRST FIRES
The first 5 or 6 fires should be small fires of short duration (about 30-60 minutes). The first fire should be
especially short. This will help cure the refractory bricks. The first fires may produce slight smoking due to
drying of the paint and steel and any dust accumulated on the fireplace will be burn off at this time. For this
reason the room should be well ventilated for the first few fires.
B
UILDING A FIRE
To start a fire, place several crumpled up balls of newspaper in the firebox. Place small dry pieces of
kindling on top of the paper, crisscrossing the kindling so that there are airspaces in between. Place larger
pieces of kindling on top of the pile. Keep the fuel far back enough so that air can get underneath. Open the
air control fully and light the newspaper. Once the kindling fire is well established, cordwood can be added.
The unit will burn best with a minimum of two pieces of cordwood spaced 1" to 2" apart and allowing air to
get under the fuel. Crisscrossing or arranging the fuel so that air can get underneath, will help the fire to get
started easily.
