Welcome to Dickinson Volunteer Fire Department Inc.

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10 Chimney Safety Tips

1. Get an annual chimney inspection. Have your chimneys inspected and swept if
needed. If the chimney (fireplace & furnace/water heater/flue) is clean and free
of obstructions, there is less danger of a chimney fire or carbon monoxide
poisoning.

2. Free and Clear. Make sure that the top of the chimney is free and clear of tree
branches, ivy, or overhanging branches.

3. Cap it. Have a chimney cap installed on all of the flues. New chimney caps are
usually constructed of stainless steel and do not rust. They keep out rain, birds,
raccoons, squirrels, leaves and other debris that could obstruct the flow of flue
gasses in your chimney.

4. The right fuel for the job. Well seasoned hard wood yields the most Btu’s
(heat) for your fireplace or wood stove. Wood that has been split and stacked for
6 months out of the rain will be dry enough. Do not burn Christmas trees,
pressure treated or painted scrap lumber in your fireplace or wood stove.

5. Liquid free light. Do not use any type of liquid fire starters (lighter fluid,
charcoal grill lighter, gasoline, etc.) to start the fire. Only use fire starters
specifically designed for fireplaces and wood stoves. Besides the inherent danger
of out of control flames inside the home, some of these accelerants can leave
residues that may ignite inside the flue (chimney fire).

6. Keep it clear. Keep all furniture and combustible furnishings at least 36 inches
away from the fireplace or wood stove. Exposure to heat can lower the ignition
temperature of combustible items over time, and they can catch fire.

7. Screens or doors. Have a fireplace screen or set of glass doors with a screen in
front of your fireplace during operation. Flying sparks from sappy wood can burn
holes in your carpet or furniture. Remember, if you have glass doors, they must
be open during the operation of your fireplace, do not close them if a fire is
burning. The glass is not rated for those temperatures and the fire will be starved
for oxygen and may smoke up the home.

8. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are a must. Some of the
newer units will detect both smoke and carbon monoxide, but both types should
be installed through out the home. Optimum placement is on the ceiling because
that is where the smoke and carbon monoxide will be. Plug in units are
convenient but near the floor is not ideal.

9. Treat your fire like a toddler, watch them. Tumbling logs off the grate can
knock over a fireplace screen and start a house fire. Do not leave them
unattended.

10. Pick the right company. Do your homework on the company you choose to
inspect and sweep your fireplace/ furnace flues. What kind of certifications and
training do they have? What do on line services like Angie’s List and the
Consumer’s Checkbook say? Ask your friends about their favorite companies.

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On December 6, 2021 the Dickinson Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. held their Annual Fire Department elections for the upcoming 2022 year. The following results of the election.

LINE OFFICERS:

Fire Chief ~ Jeffery Jock

1^st. Assistant Fire Chief ~ Stewart White

2^nd. Assistant Fire Chief ~ Jonas Hastings

3^rd. Assistant Fire Chief ~ Richard Fountain

ADMINISTRATIVE:

President ~ Chris Strack

Vice-President ~ - Noelle Fefee

Secretary ~ Richard Fountain

Treasurer ~ Richard Fountain

BOARD OF DIRECTOR – 5 year term:

Brent Poquette

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Fireplace Safety Tips for Families

​Nothing quite creates a winter holiday ambiance as well as a log in the fireplace and family gathered around to bask in its warmth and glow. Of course, playing with or near fire is dangerous for children, so please remember these tips from the AAP before you light your hearth. 

• If possible, keep a window cracked open while the fire is burning.

• Be certain the damper or flue is open before starting a fire. Keeping the damper or flue open until the fire is out will draw smoke out of the house. The damper can be checked by looking up into the chimney with a flashlight or mirror. Do not close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.

• Use dry and well-aged wood. Wet or green wood causes more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney. Dried wood burns with less smoke and burns more evenly,

• Smaller pieces of wood placed on a grate burn faster and produce less smoke.

• Clean out ashes from previous fires. Levels of ash at the base of the fireplace should be kept to 1 inch or less because a thicker layer restricts the air supply to logs, resulting in more smoke.

• The chimney should be checked annually by a professional.

• Even if the chimney is not due for cleaning, it is important to check for animal nests or other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping.

• Minimize your child's chance of burns from the hot glass front of some fireplaces, including gas fireplaces. Safety screens can be installed to reduce the risk of burns.

• Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of anything that is potentially flammable (ie: furniture, drapes, newspapers, books, etc.). If these items get too close to the fireplace, they could catch fire.

• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Make sure it is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house. If you leave the room while the fire is burning or the fireplace is still hot, take your small child with you.

• Put fireplace tools and accessories out of a young child's reach. Also, remove any lighters and matches.

• Install both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

• Talk with children as early as possible the dangers of fires and the heat coming from them.

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