Multiple Brush Fires This Week in Windham

The Windham Fire Department has responded to two brush fires this week, and Chief Thomas McPherson said both blazes were caused by improper disposal of ashes from wood burning fireplaces or stoves.

With that in mind, Windham FD is advising residents of the dangers of improper disposal and has offered several preventative tips.

"We hope that residents will practice these safety tips to ensure an enjoyable and safe winter season," said McPherson, who offered the following prepared statement:

Improper ash removal from fireplaces and wood burning stoves cause thousands of fires each year.

Hot coals, hidden in a pile of ashes and thus well insulated, can stay hot for up to 4 days. Ancient man actually transported fire by carrying hot coals, insulated by ashes and wrapped in animal skins, from one location to another. When arriving at the next home site, rekindling a fire was easy: remove the still-hot coal, place it on a small pile of leaves and twigs, blow on the hot ember, and restart the fire.

Keep in mind that fires are still started this way, but too often it's an accidental fire. Never, empty ashes into a paper or plastic bag, cardboard box, or other similar containers. The only suitable means for ash storage is a metal container with a tight fitting lid; this helps keep air from blowing through and disturbing ashes which can leave hot coals exposed for reigniting. Many home fires begin from improperly stored ashes while the home's occupants are asleep, as the evening breeze intensifies.

For optimum safety, wet the wood ashes prior to attaching the metal lid to the pail. DO NOT store your metal ash container on your deck, in your garage, or in any location that may allow heat to transfer from those hot coals to nearby flammable items. Untold wooden decks catch fire every year due to this simple oversight. “CAN YOUR ASHES”.

And finally, wood ash, once completely cooled, can safely be disposed of in your garden because natural firewood ash makes a great soil additive that your plants will enjoy. Just make sure you have removed any mulching materials such as dried leaves and other dried plants first, so there's nothing to catch fire in your garden. Spray the dispersed ashes with water as an added safety precaution. Do not add ashes to your soil if you burn coal, or ashes from burned wood that was painted, stained or treated with any chemicals as these chemicals may be harmful to your soil and plants.