"Improper storage and disposal of stove and fire place ash causes many fires and loss of property" stated CK Morey, District Forester of the Colorado State Forest Service. Morey recounted that in 37 years of service to area fire departments, one of the biggest causes of fires has been caused by poor or foolish handling of ashes. "I have seen result of someone cleaning out the stove and placing the ashes in a cardboard box or sack and setting the box on the deck or by the wood pile" stated Morey. The result has been disastrous in the loss of a home. Several fires have been started on decks where homeowner placed the ashes in a metal container but without a lid. When the wind came up, hot ash blew out of the bucket and soon there was a structure fire. Even this winter there have been numerous grass fires, shed fires, garage fires that have been caused by improperly disposing of ashes. Even last night a large trash bin went up in smoke because someone put in hot ashes. The toxic smoke was harmful not only to firefighters but who ever breathed the smoke. Ashes need to be stored in metal container with tight fitting lid for minimum of 7 days and up to 14 days before disposal.
"Home owners need to protect their ash" stated Morey. To do this, the Fishers Peak Fire Protection District is starting a drive to get landowners educated and to make available containers designed to protect the ash. These containers are being made available through a national hardware chain and will cost $60 with FPFPD logo for metal container with tight fitting lid including a small ash shovel. Ash protection containers can be ordered through Sharon or Shannon Sciacca at 719-846-4074
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