Bonfire? Open Fire? Wood Burner? Check your safety!

The days are longer and the sunshine stronger, and it could be time for a barbeque with loved ones. Or perhaps you’ll be lighting a bonfire to gather round on a chilly summer’s evening? Some thatched insurers will need you to adhere to certain safety precautions when you’re holding a barbeque.

If it is autumn or winter, you will no doubt be enjoying the hearth in your thatched home. But can you use coal in an open fire, or a wood burning stove in a thatched house?

The following points can help you reduce the risk of jeopardising your thatched insurance policy:

Keep your distance

Before you light a bonfire, fire pit or chiminea be sure to check your distance from your house. Many insurance policies can state an ideal distance of the fire from your home. It’s worth giving us a call to check the limitations on your individual policy.

 

Be prepared for a fire

 

Have a bucket of water or hosepipe close to hand and don’t leave any type of fire unattended. Sadly, it may only take one fly-away spark to land on your thatched roof to cause a thatch fire.

 

Do you need to light a bonfire?

 

Are there other ways in which you can dispose of unwanted materials? Remember, that most garden waste such as grass cuttings and leaves can be recycled by composting. Council-led initiatives where garden waste is collected are also run in many areas.

 

Open fires used inside your property

 

A question we are sometimes asked is: “Can I use coal in an open fire in a thatched house?” Using coal in an open fire in a thatched house can present risks and needs careful handling. Potential risks around burning coal in a thatched home include:

 

Fire Risk

 

The primary concern with using coal in an open fire in thatched properties is the heightened risk of fire. Thatch is highly combustible, and stray sparks or embers from a coal fire can easily ignite the thatched roof leading to devastating consequences. Unlike wood, coal burns at higher temperatures and can produce more intense sparks, which increases the likelihood of ignition.

 

Chimney Fires

 

Coal fires tend to produce more soot and creosote, which can accumulate in chimneys over time. In thatched houses, chimneys are often older and may not be lined with modern fire-resistant materials. High flue gas temperatures can create intense heat transfer and result in the chimney reaching high heat levels. In addition, the build-up of creosote can lead to chimney fires, which can quickly spread to the thatch.

 

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

 

Another significant risk is carbon monoxide poisoning. Coal fires can produce carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless, and deadly gas. In a thatched house, ensuring proper ventilation is critical to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. However, the structure and design of

thatched houses, often with smaller windows and less efficient ventilation systems, can increase this risk.

 

Safety Measures You Can Put in Place

 

If you decide to use coal in an open fire despite the potential risks, several safety measures need to be implemented to mitigate dangers:

 

Spark Guards: Using a robust spark guard can help contain sparks and embers within the fireplace, reducing the risk of flyaway embers reaching the thatch.

 

Chimney Maintenance: Regular cleaning and inspection of chimneys is essential. Ensuring that your chimney is free from creosote build-up and damage to the structure can prevent chimney fires. You will need to sweep your chimney at least once a year, sometimes twice, depending on your insurer’s criteria.

 

Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in multiple locations throughout the house can provide early warnings in case of a fire or Carbon Monoxide leak. These devices should be tested regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly.

 

Fire Extinguishers: Keeping fire extinguishers in accessible locations, particularly near the fireplace, can help control small fires before they spread. Learning how to use these extinguishers properly is equally important.

 

Given the high risks associated with using coal in an open fire in a thatched house, exploring alternative heating options is advisable.

 

Wood: While still a fire hazard, wood burns at a lower temperature than coal and produces fewer sparks. Using well-seasoned hardwood can reduce creosote build-up and improve safety. Additionally, wood can be used in conjunction with spark guards and other safety measures to lower risks.

 

Electric Heating: Modern electric heating systems offer a safer alternative to open fires. Electric radiators, underfloor heating, or storage heaters provide consistent warmth without the risks associated with burning fuels. These systems can also eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Gas Fires: Gas fires can be a safer alternative, provided they are properly installed and maintained. Gas fires produce less soot and creosote compared to coal, and can be equipped with safety features to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. However, they still need good ventilation and regular inspections.

 

While it is technically possible to use coal in an open fire in a thatched house, the associated risks are substantial. The high flammability of thatch, combined with the intense heat and spark production of coal, makes it a potentially dangerous combination. The potential for chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning further compounds these risks.

By considering safer alternatives such as wood, electric heating, gas fires, or closed solid fuel stoves, homeowners can enjoy warmth without compromising the safety of their thatched homes.

If coal must be used, stringent safety measures are imperative to mitigate the risks, but we advise the best course of action remains to opt for safer heating solutions.

Using Coal in Wood Burners

Using coal in wood burners can be a practical and efficient way to heat a home, provided certain guidelines and safety measures are followed. Here are the key considerations for using coal in wood burners:

 

Efficiency and Heat Output

Coal is a highly efficient fuel. It burns hotter and longer than wood, providing a more consistent and prolonged heat source. This can be particularly advantageous in colder climates or during the winter months when sustained heating is necessary.

 

Types of Wood Burners

Not all wood burners are designed to burn coal. Multi-fuel stoves are specifically engineered to handle the higher temperatures and different combustion properties of coal. These stoves have grates and ash pans designed to manage coal’s byproducts effectively. Before using coal, it is crucial to check that the wood burner is multi-fuel and suitable for using with coal.

 

Safety and Maintenance

 

Using coal in a wood burner requires diligent maintenance to ensure safety and efficiency:

 

Chimney Maintenance

Coal produces more soot and can lead to faster creosote build-up in the chimney, increasing the risk of chimney fires. Regular cleaning and inspection are essential to prevent this.

 

Ventilation

 

Proper ventilation is critical when burning coal to avoid carbon monoxide build-up. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed and regularly tested to ensure safety.

 

Fuel Quality

 

Using high-quality, smokeless coal can reduce soot and pollutants, making the burning process cleaner and more efficient.

 

Environmental Considerations

While coal is efficient, it is also a fossil fuel that contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Using smokeless coal can mitigate some environmental impacts, but it is still less environmentally friendly than renewable energy sources.