Fire hazard season: stay warm safely

According to statistics, fires caused by faulty or improperly operated stoves occur almost daily during the autumn-winter period.

The main fire safety requirements that citizens must observe to prevent fires when operating stoves are regulated by fire safety rules:

1. Operation of a faulty stove is prohibited! The stove must be properly constructed and in good working order – this is paramount!
2. The stove's chimney must be periodically cleaned of soot (depending on operating conditions), but at least once a year. Cleaning can be carried out by the owner of the residential building where the stove is located, or by engaging specialized organizations.

When operating stoves, it is prohibited to:

– operate the stove if the furnace vault has collapsed;

– use flammable and combustible liquids (gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, and similar) for ignition;

– operate the stove with open doors, except in cases where the stove design allows for operation with an open firebox (e.g., a "Russian stove," a fireplace);

– overheat the stove;

– place combustible substances and materials on or near the stove at a distance that could lead to their ignition;

– use coal, coke, or gas to fuel a stove not designed for these types of fuel;

– leave a stove in operation unattended.

Additionally, the stove, the surfaces of the chimney, and the walls through which smoke channels pass must be in good repair, without through cracks. To detect cracks in the chimney in the attic space at an early stage, these surfaces should be plastered and whitewashed. The section of the floor made of combustible material must be protected by non-combustible material measuring 50 cm by 70 cm. The firebox and ash pan doors must be kept in good working order. Annually, before the heating season, a visual inspection of the stove and chimney (channels) for proper functioning must be carried out. Ashes, coals, and slag removed from the stove must be doused with water until completely extinguished.