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 comply with 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, the following is prohibited:

– Firing the stove if the masonry of the firebox vault has collapsed;

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

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

– Overheating the stove;

– Placing combustible substances and materials on the stove or at a distance that could cause them to ignite;

– Firing the stove with coal, coke, or gas if the stove is not designed for these types of fuel;

– Leaving a lit stove unattended.

Additionally, the stove, the surfaces of the chimney, and the walls through which the smoke channels pass must be in good working order, without through cracks. To detect cracks in the chimney in the attic space at an early stage, they 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) must be carried out. Ash, coals, and slag removed from the stove must be doused with water until completely extinguished.