FIRES THROUGH WOODEN CHIMNEY PIECES.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2076, 19 October 1880, Page 3

FIRES THROUGH WOODEN CHIMNEY PIECES.

TO THE BSITOB OP THB PBBSB. Sib, —Attention is called to this danger in the " Builder " of 7th August, lately to hand from England, to which New Zealand insurance companies will do well to pay good heed, but until they adopt the Home practice of appointing a qualified building surveyor to inspect all dangerous structural points in buildings before granting a policy for insurance, we may expect but little decrease in the number of fires that occur. The " Builder " says—" Architects and district surveyors would do well to see the Building Act is not infringed by the erection of wooden chimney pieces with wood grounds, or slips, between the chimney jambs and the ironwork of the stoves." Slate, or marble, or oement slips should of course be used in such positions, but probably a still greater danger from fire exists owing to the use of wooden bases or plinths to the chimney jambs, with which hot cinders come in contact by falling out of the grate, or by being stirred out the last thing at night and left to cool on the hearth, which may often account for fires takihg place " not long after the family had all retired to rest."

Where stone chimney pieces and bases are not used a sheet iron socket or shoe, 3 inches in depth, to stand the wood bases in, will be found an effectual safeguard. I have introduced it wherever large fireplaces occur. Yours, &c, W. H. Espbnbtt, Architect. Christohurch, October 18th.