Response to CHIMNEY FIRES Buxton Fire-Rescue Response to CHIMNEY FIRES Strategic and Tactical Considerations while responding too Chimney Fire’s

OBJECTIVES Significance of Chimney Fires. NFPA 211 & Maine Woodburning Guide. Chimney Construction. What Causes a Chimney Fire? Operations at Chimney Fires.

SIGNIFICANCE OF CHIMNEY FIRES Known fire within a structure. Requires a Structural Response Still Box assignment of 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Tanker and Rescue.

CODES & STANDARDS NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances. Adopted by State of Maine Enforceable by Law

CODES & STANDARDS Maine Woodburning Guide Condensed code and wood burning guide. Available free of charge to everyone.

CHIMNEY CONSTRUCTION What is a Chimney? What is a Flue? One or more passageways, vertical or nearly so, for conveying flue gases to the outside atmosphere. What is a Flue? Passage through which the gases are conveyed from the combustion chamber to the outside air.

CHIMNEY CONSTRUCTION Masonry Chimneys Solid masonry Base Corbelling                                  Masonry Chimneys Solid masonry Base Corbelling Clay Tile Lined Double Brick Metal Inserts “SupaFlue”

CHIMNEY CONSTRUCTION Solid Base Corbelling

CHIMNEY CONSTRUCTION Clay Tile Lined Double Brick

CHIMNEY CONSTRUCTION Metal Insert MASONRY - SupaFlu

CHIMNEY CONSTRUCTION Fireplaces Masonry Factory Built Fireplace inserts

CHIMNEY CONSTRUCTION Metal Chimneys Manufactured Homebuilt Cast Iron                                Metal Chimneys Manufactured Listed Homebuilt Unlisted Cast Iron Steel Can be single walled, double walled…

WOODSTOVES & THIMBLES Woodstoves Thimble Fixed or removable ring, tube or lining. Located where the connector passes through a wall to the chimney

CLEARANCES Interior Chimney Exterior Chimney Wood Stove Stove Pipe 2” from combustibles Exterior Chimney 1” from combustibles Wood Stove 36” from combustibles* Stove Pipe 18” form combustibles*

CLEARANCE REDUCTIONS Manufacturers installation recommendations take precedence if the appliance or chimney is listed by a company such as UL or FM. Reduction Table

CLEARANCE REDUCTION TABLE

WHAT CAUSES A CHIMNEY FIRE? Creosote Unburned particles of wood and condensed flue gases which deposit on the chimney’s interior Factors affecting Build- Up Residence Time Smoke density Stack (chimney) Temp.

WHAT CAUSES A CHIMNEY FIRE? Defects and/or damage to the Chimney Deterioration over time Damage due to a chimney fire Damage due to weather storm Alterations or construction defects

OPERATIONS AT CHIMNEY FIRES Response & Size-Up Still Box: 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Tanker and Rescue Size-Up Caller info Initial FD Size Up

OPERATIONS AT CHIMNEY FIRES Engine Co. Tasks Tools & Equipment Locate Fire Extinguish or contain Fire Check Walls Open up if need be Water Supply

OPERATIONS AT CHIMNEY FIRES Ladder Co. Tasks Tools Access to roof & chimney Access to flue Clear Blockages Snuffer etc. Check roofline where the chimney passes through

OPERATIONS AT CHIMNEY FIRES Interior Tools & Equipment Extinguish fire in appliance Inspect chimney to determine fire location Suppression in chimney Remove burning debris Smoke removal

OPERATIONS AT CHIMNEY FIRES Command Notes Great PR opportunity Fire in a house Explain to homeowner Remember salvage covers/runners

PPE/EQUIPMENT Roof Operations Gear Interior Operations Full Turnout Gear Ladder/Escape Belt SCBA Porcupine/weights Interior Operations SCBA (breathing if CO/smoke present) TIC Chimney Kit Extinguisher

SUMMARY & QUESTIONS Summary Questions? Significance Codes Operations Public Relations SOG Questions?