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If bright embers are glowing above the ash dump cap during a low or medium fire, air may be
leaking past the ash plug. If this is happening, a possible over fire hazard exists. The stove
should be shut down and allowed to cool. Properly seal the ash dump cap.
4.5 CHIMNEY (FLUE) CLEANING
Regular chimney (flue) maintenance, as well as good burning practices, are required to prevent
chimney fires. When wood (especially green wood) is burned without adequate heat or air supply, it
produces tar and other organic vapours (
smoke
), which combine with expelled moisture to form
creosote. The creosote vapours condense in the relatively cool chimney of a slow-burning fire. As a
result, creosote residues accumulate on the chimney. When ignited, this creosote makes an
extremely hot fire which could be hazardous. Your E.P.A Century stove has been designed to reduce
the amount of creosote produced. Even so, the chimney and any chimney connector should be
inspected at least once every two months during the heating season to determine if a creosote
build-up has occurred. If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of a
chimney fire. Call a professional chimney sweep, or go to your local E.P.A Century dealer, purchase
a chimney brush, and have the chimney cleaned. The chimney and chimney connector must be in
good condition and kept clean.
Contact your local, municipal, state, or provincial fire authority for information on how to handle a
chimney fire before there is any chance that it may happen.