An Important Safety Message from the Dunstable Building Inspector:
Recently, the Fire Chief and I had the opportunity to attend a presentation by the Department of Fire Services and Department of Public Safety.
With another heating system approaching, may people are looking into alternative heating sources. The presentation by Department of Public Safety covered fuel burning appliances, including wood, pellet, corn and biomass and dimensions for clearance etc. from appliances to combustible materials, including under the appliance.
The Department of Fire Services presented a number of statistics from the years 2003-2007. One statistic that stood out was of 9,168 incidents, 9,096 were due to fuel burner or boiler malfunction. I know with ever increasing costs, these little things sometimes may seem somewhat expensive, but with a statistic like that, yearly maintenance could certainly be a good investment.
All & all, the Fire Chief and I thought it was an evening well spent and learned a few things from it. While I can't tell residents and property owners what to do, I can provide important information and recommend precautions that can keep them warm & safe.
Should anyone have a question on the subject, please feel free to contact Fire Chief Charles Rich at 978-649-6661 or myself at 978-649-4514 X226.
Dana E. Barnes
Building Inspector