INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – A rash of house fires this winter is being attributed to so-called ‘zero clearance’ fireplaces.

Thousands of those were built in tract homes as a cheaper alternative to standard brick and mortar fireplaces. Homeowners are unaware they were intended for gas-log type fires and not for hotter wood fires.

San Bernardino County Fire Department spokesman Jay Hausman says the radiant heat can ignite the chimney’s interior wood structure.

“Avoid large fires with traditional wood. Those fires will produce a lot of heat. It could pose problems inside the fire box and up into the flue and could damage your home.”

Hausman at least a half-dozen chimney fires in the last few weeks have been attributed to ‘zero clearance’ fireplaces.

Retro-fitting a fireplace is not usually cost-effective.

Story Date: January 25, 2014