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Regular chimney maintenance combined with the proper burning techniques will prevent chimney fires. Keep the chimney
area, cap and flue lining free of build-up. Do not allow more than 1/8 inch to accumulate between cleanings to avoid a
chimney fire. Cleaning intervals will depend on individual use practices and your fuel. Do not use wood with more than 20%
moisture content. Moisture meters are available through your dealer.
We recommend monthly inspection of the chimney system and cleaning if needed. At a minimum the chimney should be
inspected at least twice during the heating season to determine if a buildup has occurred. This will allow you to learn how
your burning style affects the formation of creosote in the flue. Have your chimney professionally cleaned. If you choose
to maintain it yourself, remove the cap on top of the chimney and use a stiff plastic/poly brush. Metal brushes will damage
the stainless steel chimney due to scratching of the inner surfaces. Prior to cleaning the chimney, remove the steel and
refractory baffles located in the throat of the fireplace and the angled refractory above the fire chamber so any creosote
that falls into the system during cleaning falls down to the base of the fireplace. Remove the creosote from the firebox prior
to starting the next fire. Creosote left inside the fireplace will burn at an extremely high temperature and may damage the
fireplace or chimney system.
If You Have a Chimney Fire
If a chimney fire occurs, close the combustion air control by pushing it into the locked position. Verify that the doors are
fully closed, summon the fire department, alert your family of the possible danger and evacuate the premises. A chimney
fire is a serious condition that may result in loss of property and life.
Do not use the fireplace if you suspect that you have had a chimney fire until the entire system has been inspected by a
certified sweep or others qualified in the area of chimney/fireplace safety.
Ashes
Removal of ashes should be done when the fire is out and the ash is cold. A special ash bucket is available from your dealer
to ease the ash removal process. Always empty ash into a metal container with a lid. Close the lid tight and set it on a non-
combustible surface well away from any combustible material. Do not store ash in your home. Never use a cardboard box
for ash removal.
Disposal of ashes:
The closed container of ashes should be placed on a noncombustible surface or the ground, well away
from combustible materials, pending final disposal. If 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. Hot coal in the ash can remain
potentially dangerous several days after removal.
Care of the Glass Panels
The glass used in this fireplace is a 1400 degree ceramic glass. If for some reason it ever breaks, replace it with a similar
material as a regular glass or tempered glass cannot withstand the intense temperature that the fire creates. Contact your
dealer or Wilkening Fireplace Co. for proper replacement parts. To replace the glass remove the screws from the outside
perimeter of the glass frame, lift the U channels with gasket out and clean any fragments before reinstalling the new glass.
