Response to CHIMNEY FIRES
Strategic and Tactical Considerations while responding too Chimney Fire’s
Buxton Fire-Rescue
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? 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 Chimneys1. Solid masonry Base
2. Corbelling
3. Clay Tile Lined
4. Double Brick
5. Metal Inserts
6. “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
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 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 Full Turnout Gear Ladder/Escape Belt SCBA Porcupine/weights
Interior Operations Full Turnout Gear SCBA (breathing if
CO/smoke present) TIC Chimney Kit Extinguisher
SUMMARY & QUESTIONS
Summary Significance Codes Operations Public Relations SOG
Questions?
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