Is it conceivable that ordinary soot deposits in a chimney could cause a fire? It turns out this is a common phenomenon. After all, soot, which is 98% carbon, is hardly different from coal. Let’s see how it all plays out.
Let’s imagine the following situation: You haven’t cleaned the chimney of your stove or boiler in a while and notice that the airflow has become weaker. This is an early sign that carbon deposits have reduced the space for smoke. To increase the draft, you open the ash pan and the valve, and that’s where the problem begins. As the oxygen content in the pipe increases, the temperature rises sharply, and the carbon particles caught in the increased draft lead to a potentially unnoticed soot ignition. The first signs of impending trouble are often a humming noise in the chimney and sparks flying from the chimney.
Regarding the physics of the process, it’s important to note that the combustion temperature of soot reaches +1200 °C, which leads to the destruction of the chimney flue and potentially the ignition of surrounding materials. In one of the cases described on social media, soot was ignited in an asbestos-cement pipe in the owner’s absence, resulting in an explosion that destroyed the pipe.
To avoid such situations, you should first block oxygen access to the furnace. If you are unsure about your home’s fire safety, it is best to contact the specialists at the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Attempting to extinguish the fire yourself can be dangerous.
Regular chimney cleaning helps prevent such incidents. Complex mechanical procedures are unnecessary. A modern and convenient method is chemical cleaning. For example, you can use a special AURA product, which you can add every time you light the flame. It improves appetite and eliminates unpleasant odors.
