Dannie Reed, Choctaw County extension agent, said improperly cleaned, maintained or used wood heaters damage or destroy many houses in the state each year. Fireplaces rarely cause problems as these are open to the air, burn cooler and usually do not accumulate tar in the chimney. Wood heaters, as well as enclosed fireplaces and Franklin stoves, cause more problems. Safe wood heaters start with proper installation. Sometimes new fireplaces or heaters are simply connected to existing fireplaces or pipes are built that do not satisfy fire safety codes.
Proper clearances are very important.
Two or more inches of clearance around chimneys is usually required to meet safety codes. This applies to brick and mortar as well as insulated pipes that are close or in contact with building materials. Follow all building codes and instructions when installing wood heaters. Properly installed stovepipes and chimneys face another danger in creosote and soot buildup. Use just enough wood to keep the fire burning, allow in enough air to have a flame and only start a fire when you need one.