Improper disposal of ash can be deadly

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WPRI) - Improper disposal of ashes is blamed for causing close to 10,000 fires a year, including blazes that killed 5 members of a New England family on Christmas and devoured dozens of homes out West last month.

Chief Kenneth Finlay of the Cumberland Hill fire department told Target 12 the seemingly simple task ignites about 9,800 house fires every year. He offered suggestions that he called common sense but vital.

"You have to find a safe place outside where it won't light other combustibles," Chief Finlay said. "And watch carefully that none of the embers escapes your bucket on the way."

A Christmas morning fire in Stamford , Connecticut killed three children and their grandparents. Investigators blame embers that were removed from the fireplace of a million dollar waterfront home, put in a bag and then placed in or near a mudroom. Within two hours, the home was engulfed.

In January, near Reno, Nevada, 29 homes were destroyed in a six square mile brush fire that investigator said was caused by fireplace ashes discarded outside a home. A 92-year-old woman died around the time of the blaze but it is unclear if the fire caused her death.

• Interactive: Fireplace Safety: The Dos and Don'ts

Finlay took Target 12 inside his department's burn box to demonstrate safe removal and disposal of ashes. He used a metal ash can, welding gloves and metal shovels to transfer, ash, embers and scorched logs from a wood burning stove.

As he walked toward a faucet to douse the debris, he pointed out how even cold air brought the embers back to red hot.

"See how it's turning red again?  Now, if that had been an ember you weren't controlling that deposited on a deck?" Finlay said. "And you just took off and went to work? That's how accidents happen."

Chief Finlay also told Target 12 you should never vacuum embers from your fireplace, keeping in mind the blown air can invigorate the ash and ignite your paper vacuum filter.

The chief offered one final fact that shows how careful you should be when you clean out your fireplace.

"Embers can stay hot for 4 days," Chief Finlay said. "Even if they are surrounded by cold ash in a metal container. The cold ash actually acts like insulation."

Contact Target 12 Investigator Walt Buteau at wbuteau@wpri.com or follow him on twitter.com/wbuteau