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Spark Installation and Operation Manual
4.4.2 Ash Removal
Ash should be removed from the firebox every two or three days of full time heating. Do
not let the ash build up in the firebox because it will interfere with proper fire management.
The best time to remove ash is after an overnight fire when the stove is relatively cool, but
there is still some chimney draft to draw the ash dust into the stove and prevent it from
coming into the room.
After ashes have been removed from the stove and placed in a tightly covered metal
container, they should be taken outside immediately. The closed container of ashes
should be placed on a non-combustible floor or on the ground well away from all
combustible materials pending final disposal. Ashes normally contain some live charcoal
that can stay hot for several days. If the ashes are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise
locally dispersed, they should be retained in the closed container until all cinders have
thoroughly cooled. Other waste shall not be placed in this container.
NEVER STORE ASHES INDOORS OR IN A NON-METALIC CONTAINER OR ON A WOODEN
DECK.
4.4.3 Raking Charcoal
Rekindle the fire when you notice that the room temperature has fallen. You will find most
of the remaining charcoal at the back of the firebox, furthest from the door. Rake these
coals towards the door before loading. There are two reasons for this raking of the coals.
First, it concentrates them near where most of the combustion air enters the firebox and
where they can ignite the new load quickly, and second, the charcoal will not be
smothered by the new load of wood. If you were to simply spread the charcoal out, the
new load will smoulder for a long time before igniting.
Remove ash first, and then rake charcoal towards the front of the firebox before loading so
that it will ignite the new load.
4.4.4 Firing Each New Load Hot
Place the new load of wood on and behind the charcoal, and not too close to the glass or
door. Close the door and open the air control fully. Leave the air control fully open until the
firebox is full of flames, the wood has charred to black and its edges are glowing red.
Firing each load of wood hot accomplishes a few things:
•
drives the surface moisture from the wood,
creates a layer of char on the wood, which slows down its release of smoke,
•
heats the firebox components so they reflect heat back to the fire, and
•
•
heats the chimney so it can produce strong, steady draft for the rest of the cycle.
Although it is important to fire each new load hot to prepare for a clean burn, do not allow
the fire to burn at full intensity for more than a few minutes.
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