Chimney Fire Safety Workshop

The Chimney Fire Safety Workshop is available online at this Web site or can be scheduled for community, school, and business onsite presentation in Pend Oreille County by contacting Pubic Education Coordinator Leonard Pielli at leonard@pofd3.org .

Online workshop participants will learn about what causes a chimney fire, how to prevent a chimney fire, the appropriate response to a chimney fire, and what to do after a chimney fire.

In addition onsite workshop activities will include an interactive presentation, participant team tasks, and take home handouts including the pamphlet "Your Guide to Wood Burners" and a "Chimney Fire Safety Crossword Puzzle".

Participants will be invited to fill out a "Workshop Evaluation" form at the end of the presentation.

» MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

Leonard Pielli

Commissioner / Firefighter / EMT

Public Education Coordinator

Fire Commissioner Pielli and his wife Beryl have been Pend Oreille County property owners at Sacheen Lake for thirty years and full-time residents for over eleven years. Leonard became a District No. 3 Firefighter eight years ago, In addition, he currently serves as a District No. 3 Fire Commissioner and EMT. Leonard also works part-time for Ponderay Newsprint as an EMT, teaches First Aid and CPR classes, and has had training in Basic Fire Investigation.

» FIRE CHIEF'S CHIMNEY FIRE SAFETY TIPS

Pend Oreille Fire District No. 3 regularly responds to wood-burning appliance emergencies throughout the winter months. When the we are called to respond to a chimney fire at a residence, flames are often seen shooting out the top of the chimney and there is heavy smoke associated with the fire. One of our first concerns with chimney fires is to assure that everyone in the house is safe and that the fire has not affected any structural part of the house, With these concerns addressed firefighters then look at the best way to extinguish the chimney fire.

Often a large amount of creosote has built up in the chimney making it difficult for firefighters to extinguish the fire. Since people use their wood-burning appliance for a couple of months or more at a time, the build up of creosote becomes an issue of concern. Property owners who use wood burning appliances are reminded of the need to periodically have their chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent excess buildup of creosote in the flue.

There are a few signs of a chimney fire. First, the chimney will be making a roaring sound. This is from the large amount of air being drawn into the flue. You may have flames or embers shooting from the top of the chimney and flue pipe may be red hot. If you have a chimney fire, first call 911 for the fire department to respond. Any delay in notification can lead to greater damage or injury.

Second, get all members of the family out of the house if the area is unsafe. The smoke and toxic gases may come back into the house and if the fire extends to the home, it can be deadly.

Third, close any air supply to the flue. This may choke the fire from any oxygen and stop the burning process. If time permits, put out the fire in the fire box and discharge a dry chemical extinguisher into the flue or fire box. If there is adequate draft, it will draw the extinguisher material up into the fire area.

The fire department will then check the home for extension and potential damage to the chimney. After the fire has been extinguished, the owner should have the chimney cleaned and inspected prior to using the firebox again. The excess heat generated in the flue can damage the liner and lead to further damage if not properly repaired.

» CHIMNEY FIRE SAFETY WORKSHOP PHOTOS

Diamond Lake Station - January 29, 2005

» Online Workshop

Chimney Fire Safety Online Workshop

This workshop will provide you with information about the causes of a chimney fire, how to prevent a chimney fire, the rural fire department's response to a chimney fire, and what to do after a chimney fire.

» Public Education Initiative

The community that is protected by Pend Oreille County Fire District No. 3 is growing and diverse with the need for public education delivery ever present. Fire District No. 3 makes provisions for public education and risk reduction through information booths at public events, live workshops and presentations throughout the community, Web site dissemination fire prevention and life safety information, and online workshops. Click on the link above for learn more about the district's public education initiative for this year.

» Family Emergency Preparedness Guidelines

Pend Oreille County Fire District No. 3 has free information available at the Diamond Lake Station on disaster preparedness. We are also available to come out and speak to your community group on preparedness topics. If you have any questions or want to seek additional information you can contact Fire District No. 3 through the listings on our Contacts page.