#MiddleburyCT #FireMarshal
By BRIAN PROULX
As Connecticut settles into the colder months, homes across the state begin to rely on fireplaces, wood stoves, furnaces, and space heaters to stay comfortable. With the sudden onset of high heating oil costs this summer, some homeowners may switch to a more traditional approach like burning wood to take the chill out. Unfortunately, heating season also marks a predictable rise in preventable fires.
Nationally, heating equipment is responsible for roughly 40,000 home fires each year, accounting for 13% of all residential fires. In Connecticut, the percentage is even higher, with heating equipment involved in 16% of residential structure fires annually. These incidents are often avoidable, but doing so requires preparation, awareness, and respect for the equipment that keeps us warm.
Wood stoves and fireplaces remain winter favorites, but they demand regular maintenance. Creosote buildup, the sticky and flammable residue left behind by burning wood, is a leading cause of chimney fires. Failure to clean residential chimneys accounts for 27% of heating-related fires nationwide. Chimney fires can lead to full home fire involvement if cracks exist in the chimney lining or enclosure. The hot gases produced in a small contained area create a blow-torch effect and can easily push into an attic space, wall cavity, or chimney chase. If you burn wood regularly, schedule annual chimney cleanings, burn only seasoned and dry wood, and use proper screens to keep sparks from escaping the fireplace.
Wood and pellet ash disposal is another commonly overlooked hazard; embers can stay hot for hours and sometimes days. Ashes should be placed in a metal container and stored outside, away from the home and any combustible materials.
Every year, fire departments respond to fires caused by ashes that were anything but “cold.” I have personally investigated three residential fires in recent years caused by improper ash disposal. In all three cases, the ashes ignited the disposal container, which then ignited nearby combustibles.
Space heaters, while convenient, present one of the most significant heating risks. These devices are involved in 47% of heating-equipment fires and cause over 70% of heating-related deaths. Many of these incidents stem from misuse, such as placing heaters too close to bedding or furniture, plugging them into extension cords that melt due to the energy these units draw, or leaving them running unattended or for extended periods of time. A few simple precautions can dramatically reduce the danger. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away. Plug heaters directly into a wall outlet. And turn heaters off when leaving the room or going to sleep. Tip-over protection is a must, especially if you have pets.
As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s worth remembering that cooking remains the number one cause of home fires, responsible for 49% of residential fire incidents nationwide. Thanksgiving consistently ranks as the busiest day of the year for cooking-related fires. Staying in the kitchen while frying, baking, or boiling, keeping children and pets away from hot surfaces, and having a lid or wet towel nearby to smother stovetop fires can make all the difference. Keep the oven door shut if anything looks ominous. Restricting airflow can prevent flames from appearing and escaping the oven. And if you’re deep-frying a turkey, do it outside, far away from the house, and never with a frozen bird. A frozen turkey introduced into hot oil will immediately cause the oil to overflow and ignite, creating a fireball that can spread rapidly and cause severe burn injuries.
Connecticut winters are beautiful, but they require vigilance and some preparation. With heating equipment contributing to a significant portion of home fires, and Thanksgiving cooking adding seasonal risk, a few simple precautions can keep you and your family safe this season. Clean your chimney, clean and inspect your furnace, use space heaters wisely, and keep a close eye on holiday cooking. On behalf of the Middlebury Fire Marshal’s Office, have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.
Fire Marshal Brian Proulx is a Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department member.
