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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on October 11, 2009 at 1:10pm

Jack, it is a extremely small mist coming out of the nozzles. Never had that problem bro.

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Permalink Reply by mike on October 12, 2009 at 1:32pm

my department uses sandwich bags filled with dry chem. just drop them in and the heat melts the bags it works pretty good.

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Permalink Reply by DARMUS sebastien on October 12, 2009 at 3:39pm

In my fire dept, when we have an chemney fire, we analyse in first the situation for choose the tools or material : ladder, spear, extinguisher, chemney cleanout tool,...?
In general, we use only extinguisher, because a chemney is an confined space, we haven't need a lot of water for extinguished this. An powder/foam extinguisher for stop fire is sufficient! after we just use the chemney cleanout tool (stem has ralonge with hedgehog.) for eliminate the residual embers and the Coal.
But if it is an old chimney and the fire becomes important, we uses a spear quickly because a small inhondation is better than a serious roof fire!
but my fire dept is not in a city!! the highest house have just 2 or 3 floor..
Sorry if my english is not perfect i'm french..

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Permalink Reply by Stacie on October 12, 2009 at 4:33pm

If history holds true, we can expect an increase in the number of residential fires as cold weather approaches.

Some fires are caused by faulty furnaces, some by dirty fireplaces, and others by people misusing space heaters and candles.

There are several things homeowners can do to stay safe during the winter heating months.

First though, all families should develop an escape plan should a fire occur. In the event of a fire, the first rule is to escape safely.

There are some simple tips experts suggest be followed to make a home safe:

• Replace or clean furnace filters three or four times a year. A new filter makes a furnace more energy-efficient and saves money, too.

• Be aware of carbon monoxide problems. Virtually every gas furnace produces some carbon monoxide, which is usually carried away from the home through the furnace's venting. A clean, efficiently burning gas furnace produces very small amounts of carbon monoxide, while a dirty, inefficiently burning one can produce deadly amounts. Carbon Monoxide is odorless and colorless. It causes flu-like symptoms, disorientation, confusion, and even death.

• Keep the area around the furnace clean and unobstructed.

• Do not close off more than 20 percent of the registers in the house. This can cause high resistance and unnecessary heat buildup in the furnace.

• Do not store combustible material such as paint thinners or gasoline near the furnace.

• Have your fireplace chimney inspected for damage and obstructions.

• Clean the chimney regularly to avoid buildup, also known as creosote, that could ignite the roof.

• Be sure to use a screen in front of the fireplace large enough to catch rolling logs or sparks.

• Never burn charcoal in the fireplace. Burning charcoal gives off deadly amounts of carbon monoxide.

• Be sure no flammable materials hang down from the mantel. A spark from the fireplace could ignite materials and cause a fire.

• If you use a space heater, it should be equipped with a safety light, loud alarm, a switch that automatically shuts the heater off if it tips and a cut-off device in case of overheating.

• Space heaters must have space. Keep all objects, pets and people at least three feet away from the heater at all times.

• Don't use space heaters in the bathroom. Do not touch a space heater if you are wet.

All of these tips seem basic - because they are. A common-sense approach to heating your home should provide a comfortable and safe setting for your family.

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Permalink Reply by Doug on October 12, 2009 at 7:27pm

Great suggestions Stacie. It is getting to be that time of year again.

Everything has already pretty much been said, but I would suggest that if you take a pike pole/NY hook up to the roof to stick down in the chimney, make sure it is not a fiber glass handled one, a wooden or aluminum/steal handled one is preferred. The fiber glass will become compromised and splinter, and you do not want to inhale or get jabbed in the finger with that.

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Permalink Reply by Randy Bawks on October 13, 2009 at 12:32am

Another suggestion is check if the chimney is drafting at all first. If it is we open the clean out and discharge a dry chem extinguisher,the draft of the chimney pulls dry chem up the chimney and usually puts the fire out. If not then you know you are headed for the roof with the chimney block.

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Permalink Reply by Greenman on June 17, 2010 at 5:47pm

Any Flue liner, whether masonry or stainless steel must be swept, inspected and repaired or replaced by a Certified Chimney Sweep prior to any further use.

Masonry flues will ALWAYS need to need to be replaced following a chimney fire due to thermal shock, even if the cracks aren't visible to the naked eye; THEY ARE THERE and will allow flue gases and creosote to exit the flue and either leave creosote in the space between the tile and the chimney wall (providing fuel for future, potentially more catastrophic fires), or will allow heat impingement on combustible portions of the structure during use. As we all know, smoke is unburned fuel and smoke tar, which forms creosote, has already undergone at least partial pyrolysis.

Stainless steel flues warp and become weakened by the heat of a chimney fire and present the same hazards as with a burnt masonry flue, plus the interference with draft and flow caused by the warping of the liner.

Carry the business card or phone number of a Certified Chimney Sweep with you and give it to the homeowner after a chimney fire and ensure they understand not to use the fireplace, stove or other appliance until the chimney has been repaired by the Certified Chimney Sweep.

It may be summer now, so most people aren't thinking about having their chimneys swept, especially those who are new to the colder climate areas, so remind them that if they just moved into the area and the chimney wasn't inspected and swept as part of the home sale, they need to call a Chimney Sweep now. Also, chimney fires don't just affect folks North, any home with a gas, oil or wood fired appliance needs to have the chimney inspected at least annually (Level I inspection), and anytime the property changes owners or occupants (level II inspection).

Greenman

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