The onset of the heating season is felt by emergency services personnel more acutely than by anyone else. This is because during this period, the number of fires related to stove heating increases. This is quite understandable: September-October marks the first cold spells when people begin to intensively use heating appliances that have not been prepared for safe operation in advance.

In 2025, violations of the rules for the construction and operation of stoves and other heat-generating appliances have already led to 126 fires, accounting for 19.8% of the total number.

The first thing that owners of households with stove heating should remember is that before the start of the heating season, heating appliances must be inspected and repaired. Stoves must be in good working order, without cracks, and the chimney in the attic space must be plastered and whitewashed. The next point to pay attention to is chimney cleaning. During operation, soot accumulates on the chimney walls, which can ignite. The very first sign of a clogged chimney is poor draft in the firebox.

After cleaning the chimney, inspect the stove firebox: if there are cracks or deformation of the masonry, the grate or damaged bricks must be replaced. The firebox door must also be in good working order and close tightly.

The floor in front of the stove firebox must be made of non-combustible materials, or protected by a sheet of non-combustible material measuring at least 50x70cm.

The condition of the stove must be monitored constantly. An improperly built stove can cause a fire in the house, so the construction of a stove should not be entrusted to individuals unfamiliar with fire safety rules for stove heating systems.

As for the direct operation of stove heating, there are also rules:

  • operating faulty stoves and fireplaces is not allowed, nor is the use of flammable and combustible liquids for their ignition;

  • the length of firewood should not exceed the dimensions of the firebox;

  • during firing, the stove firebox door must be closed;

  • do not overheat or leave stoves unattended while firing, and do not entrust their supervision to children;

  • do not dry or store clothes or other combustible materials on stoves.

In accordance with Article 46 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus of June 15, 1993 No. 2403-XII "On Fire Safety", responsibility for violation of fire safety legislation in residential premises, capital structures (buildings, structures) and other constructions is imposed on their owners, and in case of provision of residential premises, capital structures (buildings, structures) and other constructions under a lease agreement (rental, sublease, financial lease (leasing), gratuitous use) – in accordance with the agreement, unless otherwise provided by legislation. Persons who violate or fail to comply with fire safety legislation requirements, as well as persons guilty of causing fires, bear disciplinary, material, administrative, and criminal liability in accordance with legislation.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones, observe the rules for the installation and operation of stove heating.