As the days grow colder, there are a few things more comforting than returning home to the welcoming smell and warmth of a lively wood fire. However, this soothing source of heat can quickly turn into a potential threat if not properly maintained.

With fire prevention week around the corner, fire departments across the country are taking this annual opportunity to remind everyone who owns a wood stove or fireplace about the risks associated with these wood-burning appliances.

Lt. Ian Robertson of the Courtenay Fire Department pointed out that house fires caused by heating equipment remain a primary concern year after year.

鈥淎s we go into winter, particularly in the months of December, January, and February, there is an increase in fire surrounding heating equipment,鈥� says Robertson. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 one of the leading causes of fire for sure.鈥�

A poorly maintained chimney flue or wood stove venting system can lead to fiery consequences.

鈥淐himneys that are in poor condition are more prone to have heat escape into the void space of the attic for instance, and spread further into the structure,鈥� said Robertson. 鈥淣o matter what type of fireplace or stove you have, your chimney should be inspected at least once a year.鈥�

Robertson further emphasized the importance of keeping the ventilation system of wood-burning appliances clean and free from any accumulated deposits over time.

鈥淚f a chimney (goes unkept for a long period of time) it will become narrower because of the creosote build-up,鈥� explained Roberston. 鈥淭his (accumulated creosote) could potentially catch on fire.鈥�

Creosote is the result of incomplete combustion coming from wood with high moisture, containing both water and sticky natural oils. This coal-like substance then collects on the chimney walls and ventilation ducts. If not cleaned properly, the accumulated creosote deposit may ignite when exposed to heat.

To prevent creosote build-ups, Robertson advised maintaining a consistently hot fire and using the appropriate fuel to minimize smoke production and have a cleaner burn for the chimney.

鈥淵ou should only be burning clean, seasoned, and split dry wood. That鈥檚 all that should be going into your fireplace,鈥� said Roberston. 鈥淵ou should never be burning wet or greenwood, garbage or plastics. Those materials are gonna give off more smoke.鈥�

Supporting Roberston, Richard Oliver, co-owner of Oliver鈥檚 Power Vaccum and Chimney Sweep, can鈥檛 stress enough the importance of burning the proper firewood.

鈥淚 really put a lot of weight behind getting firewood ahead of time and don鈥檛 procrastinate to have an inspection or get your chimney cleaned,鈥� said Oliver. 鈥淭his can potentially save lives.

鈥淥rder your wood at the very latest in the spring before you plan on burning it during the winter. It has to dry out during the summer months or even longer than that if possible. Do not wait until September to order your wood.

Although not mandatory, Robertson and Oliver strongly advised residents with chimneys to have them inspected, by professionals, annually to prevent potential disasters.

鈥淚 know there are a lot of people who like to do it at home, but they鈥檙e not trained like we are and they might not spot something glaringly obvious that needs to be addressed,鈥� said Oliver.

According to Oliver, a cleaning followed by an inspection is a small price to pay to keep your family safe.

鈥淕enerally, just for the cleaning, which includes the chimney, the pipes, the inside of the stove (or fireplace), and a quick visual inspection of everything, may cost you around $200, and lasts around an hour,鈥� said Oliver. 鈥淏ut it can vary a little bit depending on the (extent and danger) of the job.鈥�

Both Richard and Robertson concluded by warning the public that if ever they see an accumulation of smoke near their wood-burning appliance, the best thing to do is head out, and call 911.

鈥淥ur advice, if you think there鈥檚 a fire, is to evacuate the home, and call 911,鈥� said Robertson. 鈥淢ake sure that you have a working smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. If anyone has any questions they can give a call (to their local fire department).鈥�

Courtenay Fire Department: (250) 334-2513

Comox Fire Rescue: (250) 339-2432

Cumberland Fire Hall: (250) 336-2531