

Over time, soot and ash can build up on the mesh, easily be remedied with a quick sweep of the chimney. In addition to keeping your home safe from stray sparks, a chimney spark arrestor also helps to keep your chimney clean. Most chimney spark arrestors are made of stainless steel, which can withstand high temperatures without corroding. This screen prevents stray sparks from escaping while allowing smoke and hot air to ventilate. But how does this simple device work?Īt its most basic, a chimney spark arrestor is a metal mesh screen covering the top. Luckily, your chimney is equipped with a spark arrestor, which prevents these burning embers from escaping into the open air. Suddenly, you see a shower of sparks coming up the chimney! The flames are crackling, and the wood is burning brightly. Imagine you’re sitting by the fireplace on a cold winter night. So if you’re wondering whether or not you need a spark arrestor on your chimney, the answer is probably yes! This guide will help you understand what a spark arrestor is, how it works, and what type of chimney it’s best for.

In some cases, local building codes even require them. These sparks can come from open wood-burning stoves or fireplaces. NOTE: Use of any of the above mentioned equipment may be further regulated or prohibited during fire season through the application of industrial or regulated use closures ( ORS 477.535 (Forester may proclaim forestland subject to restricted uses)–.So, what is a spark arrestor on a chimney, and why is it even necessary?Ī chimney spark arrestor is a device that helps to catch and stop sparks or embers from the flue and ignite nearby flammable materials, such as debris on the roof or ground. (6)The forester may, in written order, reduce or waive any requirement of this rule if, in the judgment of the forester, conditions so warrant. (5)All exhaust systems, mufflers and screens referred to in this rule must be kept in good operating condition.

(4)Power saws are exempt from this rule, but are separately regulated by OAR 62 (Power Saws). (3)Engines in all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles are exempt from section (1) of this rule if equipped with: (a)A muffler and an exhaust system or (b)A screen which completely encloses exhaust system openings and which is: (A)Heat and corrosion resistant and (B)Which has no openings greater than. (e)Engines of 50 cubic inch displacement or less which are equipped with a muffler and an exhaust system (f)Water pumping equipment used exclusively for fighting fire. (2)The following are exempt from the requirements of section (1) of this rule: (a)Fully turbo-charged engines which are maintained in good operating condition (b)Engines in motor vehicles operating on improved roads which are equipped with a muffler and an exhaust system (c)Engines in light trucks which are equipped with a muffler and an exhaust system (d)Engines in heavy trucks which are equipped with a muffler and an exhaust system which: (A)Extends at least to the end of the truck frame and discharges to the rear or (B)Extends above the cab of the truck and discharges upward or to the rear. Forest Service, entitled “Spark Arrester Guide”. (1)Pursuant to ORS 477.645 (Internal combustion engines), any persons operating an internal combustion engine during fire season, on, or within one-eighth of one mile of a forest protection district, must equip and maintain the engine with a spark arrester, which is (a)In good operating condition, and (b)Listed in the most recent edition of a publication of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group and the U.S.D.A.
