Have you read the newspaper or watched the news channels?
The panicking news of rising boat fires occurring due to over-firing of the stoves is delivering a tremendous shock to us.
Simultaneously, many houses are getting destroyed due to the same reason. When the intensity of the fire races out of control, over-firing happens.
While the fire roars, the flue gases access the heat. They speed up and go to the chimney. Until this situation it is okay, but the matter gets unfavorable when the accumulation of the soot and tar in the chimney catches fire and further burns the nearby objects.
You must clearly understand what over-firing is.
In simple words, it means burning the fuel extremely hot, followed by running the temperature of the stove much hotter than recommended, precisely, hotter than the stove’s materials can accept.
The mandatory effects of over-firing:
The first sign of damage will be evident on the stove’s baffle plate or throat that is located directly above the fire bed or fire grate. Then, the white discoloration on the cast iron stoves is also an indication of over-firing.
A ray of light in the darkness lies with the steel throat plate. If you get a good quality steel throat plate, you can straighten it. You need the right sets of equipment to do the needful. If you have cast iron plate, you won’t be able to do it.
Progressing with the discussion, let’s dig out the way to avoid over-firing.
- You have to comprehend the behavioral pattern on the stove and the fuel.
- Be heedful about the air control
- Be careful when you are using new fuel that you don’t know much about
- Don’t fill the fuel in your stove and leave the place
Check the air control:
Before leaving for your work or sleeping at night, always look over the appliance air controls that are meant for preventing over-firing.
Follow the guidelines for safety:
- If your stove contains a lower ash door that can be opened individually from the main door, never leave it open during removing the ash.
- The damage that permits the air to take entry in the firebox will adversely affect your capability to control the supply of air to the fire.
- When the weather is gusty and stormy, the winds whip across the top of the chimney. At this time, the flue gases are sucked out speedily, approximately 2 to 3 times the normal force.
- Whenever you are setting the air control, pay attention to the wind effect.
Use the right fuels for avoiding over-firing:
- Dry and seasoned wood and smokeless fuels are the best fuels that are suggested by the manufacturer.
- When you are using new fuel, stay near it for the initial few days to be habituated with its characteristics.
- Get used to any ‘new’ fuel’s burning characteristics when you are around to keep an eye on it.
Bonus points:
- Bituminous coal, also known as Polish Coal or House Coal must be avoided because it releases more flammable gases which will make it difficult for you to control your stove.
- You must remember that the wood’s burning behavior is more volatile than the smokeless fuel.
- You have to be extremely careful about banking up the wood stove during windy weather.
- Always feed the fire frequently with little fuel.
- Sweep the flue to steer clear of the chimney fire and over-firing.
- If you use fuels that burn too hot, your stove will surely overheat.
- If you use a stove that has no liners and is damaged, the stove will be more vandalized.
- Be careful while closing the air inlet controller because the surrounding areas remain excessively hot.
- If the chimney fire has already broke, don’t try to go near it. Instead, call the fire station and the emergency services immediately.
- Alert the nearby people. Take the children and pets out of the house. If the fire gets massive and out of control, go at a distance place along with your neighbors because fire easily spreads.
Better be prepared with the fire safety education and keep a fire extinguisher in your home. Follow the article to avoid over-heating. Apply the mentioned steps if you face any issue.