CPSC Chairman Warns Of Coal And Wood Burning Stove Hazards

The Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at a news conference today in San Francisco warned energy conscious consumers of fire dangers associated with the improper installation, use and maintenance of coal and wood burning stoves.

Chairman Nancy Harvey Steorts said "At a time when public awareness about energy conservation has been stimulated, we are experiencing a resurgence in the popularity and use of these stoves and, unfortunately, a dramatic increase in accidental injuries and deaths associated with their use."

Preliminary data for 1380 from the U.S. Fire Administration indicate that 112,000 fires that year involved coal and wood burning heating equipment - an increase of 58% over 1979. Fatalities increased 67%.

CPSC data, collected in a survey of more than 2,000 households last year, indicate that 70% of the stoves in use are installed by the consumer himself and half of the "do-it-yourself" installations are never inspected by a building or fire inspector.

A major cause of accidents has been the improper installation of the chimney connector through a combustible wall and fires caused by this resulted in more extensive structural damage than any other kind of fire, according to Chairman Steorts. The CPSC survey found that 92% of the stoves in use are free standing requiring a connecting pipe to a chimney.

Chairman Steorts cited other causes of fires resulting from stoves installed too close to walls, drapes and furniture and a build-up of creosote in chimneys and chimney connectors. Besides improper installation, she said there have been fires caused by improper use and improper maintenance of stoves, chimneys ad chimney connectors.

CPSC recognizes a need to improve existing standards and codes, provide additional information to retailers, building and fire officials, and building contractors, and to raise consumer awareness to hazards associated with these products, the Chairman stated. The agency plans to work with those who manufacture, sell, install and inspect coal and wood burning stoves.

A national information program is being planned by the agency to alert consumers to potential fire hazards of coal and wood burning stoves and to provide safety information to users of these stoves. The CPSC offers the following tips to consumers to assure tile safety of heating equipment:

- Check with building code or fire inspector concerning whether a permit is needed for installation of stoves.

- Check with officials regarding clearances of stove to walls ...follow building/fire codes and manufacturers instructions...if none, then install at least 36 inches from side walls.

- Prior to adding a stove or fireplace insert to an existing masonry chimney, have the chimney inspected for deterioration or improper construction.

- Inspection of masonry chimneys important, particularly in older homes.

- Regular inspections of chimney/connectors/chimneys for creosote buildup (a tarry substance condensed inside) is important.