Coal Burning Safety

[quote=]Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) is a better idea. Actually the "bag" the fire dept. drops down your chimney is just a large amount of baking soda. It smothers the fire. I know this for a fact (been there, done that).[/quote]

+1 for Na bicarbonate. It was SOP for us (former lab pack chemist) in the field. Should a chemist happen upon some potassium rods that happen to find air...

Yeah, sodium bicarbonate can be a life saver.

BDHodosn wrote:Yeah, sodium bicarbonate can be a life saver.

BJ's sells 5lb boxes of A&H's finest for just a couple bucks. We keep several boxes stocked at the house. Just put them in a ziplock bag to keep them from hardening.
25 years ago, I bought a flare-style chimney fire suppressor. Never had to use it (knock on wood).

I also believe in the Bucket-O-Sand theory of safety. It can be used on an out-of-control fire, or on the ice & snow patches to keep you from slipping and landing on yer butt Which I think is ALOT more common than out-of-control fires.
Since we installed our coal stove, we keep a large bucket of ash by the garage door, to spread around when things really get slippery.

Hi guys , I have a stove clearance issue..I guess it would fit in this thread..I own a Heatrola Home Heater, It will hold about a 5 gallon bucket of nut coal. It is surrounded by a sheet metal enclosure that sits about 6 inches away from the outside of the fire pot on all sides and extends up to about 6 inches above the top of the stove. It kinda looks like an old refrigerator. LOL . My question is how far away from a combustable wall should I set this stove?? What about a slate covered wall? I plan to set down a fairly large slate pad to sit it on.. because the basement has a wood sub floor being installed. It won't be sitting on the sub floor but the sub floor will surround it. Thanks !!!

ColdinVT wrote: My question is how far away from a combustable wall should I set this stove?? What about a slate covered wall? I plan to set down a fairly large slate pad to sit it on.. because the basement has a wood sub floor being installed. It won't be sitting on the sub floor but the sub floor will surround it. Thanks !!!

Check the archives. This subject has been talked about at length. Try the subject “distance to combustibles.” The bottom line is what does the stove's manufacturer say and what does your county or city code require. They will spell everything out for you. If the county code doesn't address coal stoves - mine doesn't - look at the code for wood burning stoves or supplemental heating appliances. Most counties have it all on line now.

I know that some folks don’t go through the hassle of getting the stove installment inspected but I strongly recommend it. You may only need the inspection approval once during the time you live in your house – the morning after the fire - but then it will be too late to get it. Good luck, Lisa

Hi, I'm a newbie coal burner looking for advice on operating my Harman TLC 2000. I live in Wisconsin, so except for a few Amish nearby, no one knows anything about coal stoves. I've watched Devil505's excellent video and learned quite a bit but still have questions. I can't find Devil on this forum anymore and was wondering if anyone knew how to contact him. He seems to be a veteran coal burner in the group. Thanks for any info you can offer. Kevin

Kevin - Where are you getting your coal in Wisconsin ? Cost?

Sting,

I just bought my second ton of Blaschak nut coal for $330 from an Amish gentleman(Lark Country Store) near Shawano, WI, about 30 minutes from Green Bay. I see you are in the Valley. How long have you been burning coal? You can contact me at Xldrunner55@AOL.com if you want since this is a bit off topic.

Kevin