Conventional Ways of Extinguishing Chimney Fires

Conventional Ways of Extinguishing Chimney Fires

Objectives for extinguishment:Recognize the need to safely mitigate Chimney Fires.Recognize the different types of chimneys and there construction.Recognize the resources and equipment needed to keep damage to a minimum.Recommend the owner contacts a certified chimney repairman for inspection and cleaning prior to use.

Types of Chimneys

Steel Pipe Masonry

2016 Chimney FiresOnly One listed as a Chimney Fire Contained to flu $ 3,000 DamageOnly One incinerator FireThree Boiler and or Fuel Oil FiresDamage $ 750,000 and $ 0 in ContentsNeed for accurate report writing and dollar estimates.

Causes of Chimney FiresLack of Inspection and MaintenanceShould have an Annual Inspection and CleaningBuild up of Creosote in the liner Lack of a cap Build up of nests or resident animals

Properties of Creosote1st stage creosote - Fine black dust called soot, porous and crunchy2nd stage - Tar-like: drippy and sticky3rd stage – Build Up that hardens into a shiny glazeAll three can be present in any FluAll three are highly flammable and are the root cause of a volcanic chimney fire

ExtensionMost Chimney fires are contained to the flu with no extensionExtinguishment requires removing the oxygen, fuel and or heat.Cleaning any fuel out of the fire box.Inspecting the chimney for extensionScraping the flu with a weight or chain to knock all the creosote down Ensure proper extinguishment with dry chem. or chimney bombs

CreosoteUnseasoned or rain-logged woodA restricted air supply to the fireA flue too large for the wood burning appliance, ( unlined insert)Cooler-than-normal surface flue temperatures, causing gases to condense in the flu

HazardsEnvironmental Hazards Snow Covered & Ice Covered RoofsSteep Pitched RoofsBuild Up Roofs, RainRoofsSteel RoofingDilapidated Chimneys

Equipment Needed for ExtinguishmentThermal ImagerIrons – Utilized for opening up and emergency egressChimney Kit – dry chem. Bombs, weightMetal pail & trowelSalvage Covers

chimneysweepswest.net865-588-1482csw@chimneysweepwest.comcastbiz.net

Chimney SweepsWest