Groveland Twp.- Firefighters were called to a detached garage fire in the 600 block of W. Glass Road about 6:20 a.m., Dec. 1.
Groveland Fire Chief Steve McGee said the fire started from a woodstove and burned in a concealed space in the ceiling, causing about $10,000 in damage to the garage. There were no injuries in the fire and while an investigation is ongoing, the fire has been deemed accidental.
‘We had a quick response and extinguished the fire before there was too much damage,? McGee said.
Woodstove fires are more common at this time of year. McGee offered some tips on avoiding them, including:
n Clean the woodstove and chimney regularly. Creosote, residue left over from the combustion of wood, that builds up on the chimney walls and becomes combustible, is the most common cause of chimney fires. McGee suggests cleaning the woodstove and chimney twice a year or a minimum of once a year.
n Pull permits before using a new woodstove to ensure all minimum requirements are met. All townships have a building department that will issue permits and make sure woodstoves are installed correctly. There is a minimal charge, but it is state law.
Don’t leave the stove burning if no one is home.
Woodstoves are not the only fire hazard at this time of year. McGee also said homeowners with live or cut Christmas trees should keep water in the reservoir, as a tree becomes dangerous when it dries out; and use candles in a limited way.
‘People put candles in places they normally don’t (during the holiday season) and forget about them,? he said. ‘That’s been a problem in the past.?