Fire Department Offers Facts on Carbon Monoxide Dectors, Woodstoves

The Westford Fire Department and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services want you to know these facts about carbon monoxide alarms and safety from indoor fires.

• Replace your carbon monoxide alarms at least once every seven years, if not sooner.
• One sign that a carbon monoxide alarm is reaching the end of its life span is a chirping sound that does not stop until the unit is powered off.
• Since the passage of Nichole's Law in 2008, nearly every residence in the Commonwealth is now required to have a carbon monoxide detector. 
• Allow 36 inches of clearance around the appliance to prevent combustibles from coming into contact with heat sources.
• Solid fuel heating appliances cannot share a common flue with chimney flues utilized by other solid, fossil, or gas fired appliances.
• A qualified mason should inspect the chimney and flue before a woodstove is used. Cracks in the flue or mortar joints can allow flames and heated gases to extend throughout a home.
• Most chimney fires occur due to a build-up of creosote, a tarry by-product of burning wood. Dry, well-seasoned hardwood can reduce creosote accumulation.
• Don't use flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Never leave children unattended near a fire.
• Make sure dampers are open before lighting a fire.
• Fireplace screens can help prevent flying sparks and embers from starting fires.