Public safety announcement - masonry fireplaces igniting wood headers, etc.

Craig the time to fix the problem I discussed is prior to the insert installation. Don't ignore it it plain does not go away If that wood has been payrolized all it takes is being exposed to 300 degrees do not even need an open fire. One wiyth the rest of the story

I was filed in with some additional details of the fire I inspected it seems the fire place was operated Saturday the call to the fire dept was 2:00 pm Sunday that fire smoldered in the wall an entire day before it broke out meaning all night as they sleep. once it broke out and found a source of oxygen the entire gable end of the home is gone only remaining some charred studs
and the chimney it was gone by the time the fire dept got there to begin fighting the fire.
Required is a full level II inspection prior to an installation of an insert that not a scare tactic but code.

as for un tested fire places no there is No UL listing but ASTME test the cements blocks and brick manufacturing. And code cover the require thickness of stone and rubble built fireplaces.

I check all the construction during a throat inspection and again during the final inspection so IT is required to be inspected to be code compliant no fireplace gets passed with the formentioned void to the header. during my inspections.

I looked at his fire place construction in the pictures Iceman is better off and safer with an insert and a full liner that throat area should not be coupled bricks but parged smooth tapered walls built to support the fire flue. Perfect example of not a correctly built throat. This is common of chimneys built in the 60's also making a good case for using a full liner.

Craig this safety message is real and not to be glossed over. It is best to recognize the deficiencies and correct them. It can be accomplished with refractory cement and a caulking gun.

to these people living in motel rooms or a trailer during the holidays is not a vacation . For less that $10 in materials they would still be living in their home If they only knew.

Jim you are seeing exactly what I am, incorrect construction of the throat. Like I said ticking time bombs. Looks like his fireplace was never used no signs of any ash or creosote build up.

with a liner passing threw the throat area to the insert he is a hell of a lot safer using an insert than as an open fireplace

Jim you are seeing exactly what I am, incorrect construction of the throat. Like I said ticking time bombs. Looks like his fireplace was never used no signs of any ash or creosote build up.

with a liner passing threw the throat area to the insert he is a hell of a lot safer using an insert than as an open fireplace

I don't care if I scared the crap out of a few posters. If some learn and correct the fire box deficiencies, then the message is well worth it.

It could save a few lives. I really feel for that family. I wish I had looked at that fireplace prior to them lighting up. All I can do now is to alert others to look at their situations

does anyone know the number of related chimney fires in USA a year? that include appliances connected to the chimneys 140,000 also lighting strikes.

So web is this a big enough concern ,or if you wish , I will not make these public service post? Here is another one 15,000 clothes dryer fires a year 23 deaths
when is the last time you cleaned you dryer and dryer vent?

what about over loader lamp wire extension cords or power strips?

Ice By today's standards the bricks above the damper called the throat area should be smooth sides tapered to receive the first flue liner most masons go a step further and smooth on a layer cement to create smooth sides a process called parging If you check yours frequently and note build up that is the issue. If no creosote build up then it ok.
the issue is also to channel the exhaust to a smooth transition into the first flue Not that much of a safety issue without cresote buildup storing it on the ledges of the bricks jutting out
that the biggest concern

It is going to be a real somber thanks giving at my mother's in laws house. The plan was to have it there and bring her out from the convalescents home ,but the ambulance arrive before we did she is back in the hospital and this time she will not be returning. There is no good news to report. I hope to see her tomorrow ,if god will allow it. This will be the last time gathering at her house.