Chimney fire? How hot till creosote ignites?

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jzinckgra

Feeling the Heat
Hearth Supporter
Jun 12, 2009
268
Raymond, Maine
I lit my hampton stove tonite and like most nigthts, I use newspaper and a few pieces of birch bark. I usually bring the probe temp up to ~900F then close the air off some. I scared myself (and my wife) earlier as the temp shot up to 1100F. I looked outside because there were fairly large flakes of burned material floating by the window. I thought we had a chimmney fire, but there was no roar in the stovepipe. I quickly closed off the air and ran outside and saw no flames. I was thinking I'd be calling the fire dept, but I came back in and the temp had fallen to 900F and it is now down to ~450F. This is a new stove this year and we've had maybe 15 fires in it so far. Can creosote build up that quick? I know I've learned my lesson and will keep a better eye on the temp upon initial firing. Talk about having that lump in your throat.

On another note, I also have a sucking of air sound around the door. I'm sure it is the seal, but can seem to find exactly where. I use my shop vac around the seal to clean the door and I wonder if I've pulled some of the rope out from the groove.
 
Those flakes could of been burnt newspaper or birch bark being lifted out with the strong draft. Take a match or lighter around the door and see where the flame sucks in. Door gaskets are easy to replace you should have instructions in your manual.
 
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