Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Wood burning stove could be source of morning fire

A fire at a shop building on Bowen Hill Road last week could have been started by a wood burning stove being used to heat the structure, according to Gurdon Fire Chief Robert Burns.

Firefighters were called to the blaze at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2 at the shop located at the residence of Harold Williams. Burns said Williams woke up in the night and found the shop engulfed in flames.

Because the fire had apparently been burning for quite some time, Burns said the building was completely destroyed by the time firefighters arrived. He also noted that due to the extensive damage, it was impossible to cite the exact cause of the fire.

Piles of firewood outside the structure and knowing that wood heat was used to heat the building led Burns to believe the heat source may have started the fire, he said.

Burns added that winter time is when Gurdon firefighters get the majority of structure fire calls, although the number is not extraordinary. There have not been many so far this year.

Burns gave several tips for residents to ensure their heat source doesnt start a fire:

- Keep flues and other pipes clean while wood burning heat sources are in use. Thats usually where it starts, he said.

- Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Burns said a fire extinguisher can enable a homeowner to put out a fire before it spreads and possible save the structure. I always keep one, he said. Ive never had to use it, but Ive got it just in case.

- Keep clothes, and other flammable items away from heat sources.

- Follow the heaters instructions as to venting. Most newer heaters are suppose to be vented, he said. Failing to properly vent a heater could result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

The number of house fires in the winter months has declined over recent years, Burns said.

People are getting wise about what they need to do.