A wood stove fire at a home on the Westsyde in Kamloops has the fire department issuing a warning about the dangers of burning wood for heat.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Kamloops Fire Rescue
February 10, 2021 - 1:46 PM
Kamloops Fire Rescue is issuing a reminder about proper care of chimneys and wood burning appliances after a fire left behind severe damage to a Westsyde home this week.
Fire inspector Kevin Cassidy says at about 11 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, a fire started in the attic above a wood stove and is believed to have been caused by heat or sparks from the chimney.
"The homeowner could see the glow between the chimney and the attic space alerting her (to the fire)," Cassidy says.
Cassidy says the fire was contained to the attic, however fire crews had to pull much of the ceiling down to ensure the fire was extinguished.
And while Cassidy says the wood stove was professionally installed in this case, he's advising homeowners to ensure their chimneys are set up professionally as well.
Here are some other tips from Kamloops Fire Rescue:
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Ensure chimneys are serviced and inspected once a year.
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Ensure clean dry wood is being burned.
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Ensure there are no potential combustibles near by.
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Use screens in front of wood burning appliances to protect young children.
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