Pellet Stove Malfunction causing this house fire??

[Don2222]

Hello

Here is another case where the headline says Pellet Stove Malfunction when in reality the cause of the fire is a Blocked Flue!!

A blocked flue can happen on any appliance. Is this the fault of a Wood pellet Stove??

http://rosefireco.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=103

Pellet Stove Malfunction

This evening Station 58 and surrounding companies were dispatched to Box 58-08 for reported smoke in a structure. Engine 58-1 (FF Tony McGillin) and Truck 58 (FF Dale Wilhelm Sr.) went en-route and were advised by YCDES* of a pellet stove malfunction. Engine 58-1 arrived with nothing showing on the exterior and, upon investigation, found smoke throughout the house. The Engine crew stretched a line while investigating and the Truck crew started ventilation operations while Chief 58 set up command. Crews found a fire in the stove with a blocked flue; crews extinguished the fire and mopped up. Command then placed the remainder in service at 17:36
*York County Department of Emergency Services

Units: Engine 58-1,2; Truck 58; Ambo 58 ; Chief 58; Station 58 Fire Police
Mutual Aid: Lineboro, Glen Rock, Shrewsbury

 

[Wood Heat Stoves]

They don't say how it was blocked, but if it was a straight out installation and was blocked by snow, then this is another good reason to vent out and up if you're in snow country.