12 actions to protect your home
Why is it important to have a spark arrestor on the chimney to reduce fire risk?
A spark arrestor is a mesh screen that prevents sparks and embers from escaping the chimney and landing on the roof or ground. Sparks and embers can ignite the home and nearby vegetation, such as leaves, branches, and dry grass.
A home located in or near a forest that catches fire poses a risk not only to the forest but also to neighbouring homes. If all residents in a wooded area equip their chimneys with spark arrestors, they help reduce the overall vulnerability of the area, making their homes safer.
A spark arrestor also prevents animals, such as birds and squirrels, from entering the chimney and building nests. These nests often contain flammable materials like twigs, dry grass, and leaves, which can contribute to fire hazards.
Regular chimney maintenance is also essential to reducing fire risk. This includes routine chimney sweeping to remove soot and creosote buildup, which are highly flammable. By installing a spark arrestor with a maximum mesh size of 1 cm by 1 cm and performing regular chimney maintenance, the risk of fire can be significantly reduced.