HomeMy WebLinkAboutRPT 2 SPARK ARRESTOR 08-06-90DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
7o
AUGUST 61 1990
WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY.MANAGER
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
REPORTS NO. 2
8-6-90
Inter - Com
SPARK ARRESTOR PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file.
BACKGROUND
The City Council meeting on May 7, 1990 public concerns were
expressed about the need to implement a Spark Arrestor Public
Awareness Program in order to inform citizens of the hazards of
fires resulting from the lack of spark arrestors on chimneys. In
effort to address these concerns and particularly in light of
recent major fires throughout Southern California, staff has
prepared a brochure which will be mailed to selected existing
single family residents and made available at both the Community
Development and Community Services counters.
As indicated at the May 7, 1990 meeting, the current Fire Code
contains provisions to insure that spark arrestors are installed on
new construction. However, the attached brochure is aimed at
addressing existing developments which were not required to install
such a device to curtail the hazards represented in the brochure
and to encourage regular inspection and maintenance of fireplaces.
_Christine A. Shingleton
Director of Community Development
CJ:CAS:kbc
Attachment: Chimney & Fireplace Safety brochure
TUSTIN...
Proud of its Heritage, Preparing for' its Future...
MAY 1990
CHIMNEY AND FIREPLACE SAFETY
PURPOSE ( What are the City recommendations for instal -
This brochure offers the City of Tustin's recommendations
regarding the installation of spark arresters on chimneys
and tips on general chimney and fireplace safety.
BACKGROUND
With the shortage of spring rainfall and earlywarm weather
it is important to understand the potential fire risks that are
present. While we encourage citizens to protect and main-
tain properties in a fire -safe condition, these particular
circumstances reinforce the need to be fire conscious. The
use of spark arresters is just one of the many ways in which
you can prevent smoldering ashes orsparks from exiting the
chimney and igniting roofing materials or other external
combustibles.
What is a spark arrestor?
A spark arrestor is constructed of iron, heavy wire mesh or
other non-combustible material, with openings not larger
than one-half (1/2) inch and is located around the top of the
chimney cap. Its primary purpose is to prevent smoldering
ashes or sparks from exiting the flue or shaft of the chimney
and igniting roofing materials. It also prevents leaves, and
other external elements from accumulating in the chimney.
Where are spark arresters available?
Spark arresters can he purchased in most hardware and
home improvement stores, or from professional chimney
sweep companies. They basically come in the following
types:
1.Chimney Cap
=a
2. Box Type
3.Flat Type
lation?
In most cases, a simple conversation which the Building
Division regarding to what extent modifications will be
made will suffice. Most spark arrestor kits come with
installation instructions which are certified by the manu-
facturer. However, the proper installation of the arrestor
is of the utmost importance in protecting the residence.
Therefore the City encourages all citizens to consult with
the Building Division before installing the arrestor.
What are other tips on chimney and fireplace
safety?
The following tips will greatly decrease chances of an
external or internal fire resulting from your fireplace:
'ALWAYS use a metal screen or glass doors in front of the
fireplace to prevent sparks or embers from igniting nearby
rugs or furnishings.
°Your fireplace is not an incinerator. Paper, trash and
Christmas trees create very hot fires that send flames and
sparks up the chimney. The ashes from such fires can also
ignite nearby wood shingle roofs or dry grass.
"Have your fireplace inspected and cleaned regularly to
prevent build-up of creosote (an oily liquid mixture used
especially as a wood preservative).
°Llse caution with artificial logs, which burn hotter than
regular wood fuel. Follow instructions carefully.
'Never burn charcoal indoors. It gives off deadly carbon
monoxide gas.
"Do not use flammable liquids to start a fire.
"Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid.
°Check roof and chimney area frequently for the accumu-
lation of dried leaves and debris; remove as necessary.
The following diagram goes into more specifics about
the different parts of the chimney:
TN E ANATOMY Masonry rr1,ey
Of A
GNIMNEY
C.NIMNEY CAP
le oR 14000
— he!ps keep sparks
Me+ -al
from llyir.g and
6,;mrey
art. -pals or birds
from entering
FLJC
the inside of the
chimney
FLA 14IIJ6
— used to weather-
proof the joint
be:,Aeen the ' hNrnrey
and the rocf
nLE L1NEF- -
- protects masonry
chimneys from high
terrperatures
SMo1,4E SHELF
— heaps chanrel air
into the fireplace
and srncka out of it.
VA AP£rz
— in an open position,
it allows air to -
reach the fire
A5 GLEAMouT
D�tz
— used to remove
ash, soct and
creosote in scme
masonry chimne;s.
For additional information or staff assistance, we invite
you to contact the following:
City of Tustin
Community Development Department
300 Centennial Way
Tustin, California 92680
(714) 544-8890
-or-
Orange County Fire Department
Public Information Office
180 South Water Street
Orange, California 9266
(714)744-0496
City of Tustin staff are available to answer your ques-
tions Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m.
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
to
PREPARED BY THE CITY OF TUSTIN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT