Wood Stove, Pellet Stove and Fireplace Safety

Woodstoves and pellet stoves are a popular alternate heating source for many homes in the Central Kitsap area. Whether the use of wood stoves is a way of life for you or you are trying to cut traditional energy costs, it is up to you to minimize fire hazards related to the use of your wood stove, pellet stove and fireplace.

If you are heating with any of these appliances, the following tips can help you maintain a fire safe home:

• Check to see that your wood stove/pellet stove is properly installed. Comply with manufacturer’s recommendations and Kitsap County codes for installation and use.
• Maintain at least 36 inches of clearance from combustibles.
• Have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned as needed to ensure there is no creosote build-up and that the chimney pipe and flue are in good condition.
• Burn your wood stove hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.
• Burn only the materials for which your stove is designed.Keep charcoal outside. Burning charcoal can give off high levels of carbon monoxide which can prove deadly in an enclosed environment.
• Be sure your fireplace fire is out completely when going to sleep or leaving the home. Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will force a build-up of toxic carbon monoxide in your home.
• Discard ashes in a metal container and place them outside, well away from combustibles such as wooden decks and the sides of your home until they are completely cold.

Thank you for keeping yourself, your family and your home fire safe this winter.

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