DONEGAL Fire Service
has urged caution after a number of fires involving
the popular multi-fuel stoves.
The local fire service said it had noticed a rise in
fires, some serious, involving the burners in
domestic dwellings around the county.
The stoves became hugely popular across Ireland
during the recession as householders tried to reduce
their reliance on oil heating.
Donegal Fire Service said accidental fires involving
the stoves may be due to incorrect installation or
lack of ongoing maintenance.
It said fires could be avoided by following several
common sense, practical steps, particularly when
installing and maintaining multi-fuel stoves.
"In particular this is the case with respect to
retro fitting of these heating appliances to
existing homes where metal flues or similar are
fitted to run through existing construction or are
enclosed in timber stud and plasterboard
construction," Donegal Fire Service said in a
statement this afternoon.
"A minimum separation distance must be maintained
from the flue to any combustible construction, to
prevent ignition through radiant heat.
"If you intend to have a stove installed, please
ensure that you employ a competent person and that
the appliance is installed in accordance with
Technical Guidance Document Part J of the Building
Regulations.
"These regulations also require that carbon monoxide
detectors are provided in the room where the
appliance is situated and in any room in which the
flue passes through."
The statement added: "If your stove is used every
day, the flue or chimney may need to be cleaned more
than once a year depending on the type of fuel
burned. A competent person should be employed to
ensure that this is done properly as a build-up of
soot particles is a common cause of chimney/flue
fires." |
