Autumn-winter fire hazard period

With the onset of cold weather comes the autumn-winter fire hazard period. Statistics indicate that the highest number of fires during this period occurs in residential areas. During these fires, the most people are killed and injured.

The primary cause of fires in homes during this period is the human factor.

Surely everyone has at least once seen the aftermath of a fire in a rural area or private sector: charred logs, empty window sockets, soot-blackened walls, burnt belongings. And only the stove, apart from the soot, is quite intact. Although sometimes it is precisely the stove, or rather its operation in violation of fire safety rules, that becomes the cause of tragedy.

Citizens must remember that a dwelling (apartment) that meets the requirements of fire safety norms and rules serves as a guarantee of the safety of the resident's life and health.

Fires most often occur as a result of stoves overheating, cracks appearing in brickwork, the use of combustible and flammable liquids for kindling, and burning embers falling out of the firebox or ash pan. Stoves are often left unattended during heating. In severe frosts, stoves are heated for a long time, resulting in overheating of their individual parts, and if these parts come into contact with wooden walls or furniture, a fire is inevitable.

Owners and residents of residential buildings with stove heating, before the start of the heating season, should pay attention to compliance with fire safety requirements, both in the construction and operation of stoves.

It is necessary to check the operability of the stove and chimney, repair and clean soot, seal cracks with a clay-sand mortar, and whitewash the chimney in the attic, on the roof, and above the roofing. Chimneys of stoves should be cleaned of soot accumulation at least once every three months. For durable and safe operation of stove heating, remember the following requirements: stoves and other heating appliances must have fire-resistant clearances (setbacks) from combustible structures, as well as a hearth plate measuring 0.5 x 0.7 m on a wooden floor or a floor made of other combustible materials. It is recommended to heat the stove 2-3 times a day for 1-1.5 hours, rather than once for a long time. Combustible property or materials, and laundry drying are not allowed near stoves or directly on their surfaces. Remember, by observing fire safety rules, you are taking care of your own safety.