Chesterfield Fire officials urge safety after two wood stove fires over Thanksgiving weekend

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Chesterfield fire officials are emphasizing the importance of fire safety after two wood stove–related fires happened over the Thanksgiving weekend.

The first fire started on Friday, Nov. 28, in a detached garage near Coxendale Road at 10:30 p.m. The second occurred Saturday, Nov. 30, near Clover-Patch Terrace just after 1 p.m., leaving three people without a home.

Fire crews arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof, but were able to extinguish the blaze in under an hour. No injuries were reported.

Captain Joe Harvey of Chesterfield Fire and EMS said colder weather often leads to an increase in fire incidents as residents rely more heavily on fireplaces, heaters and wood stoves.

“This time of year, we do see an uptick in fires,” Harvey said.

Harvey urged residents to understand how their heating appliances should be used, noting that extension cords should never be used with these devices.

“We want those devices directly plugged into an outlet,” Harvey said.

For fireplaces, Harvey reminded residents to always use a protective screen. He also highlighted the importance of handling wood stove ashes safely.

“Wait until those ashes are completely cooled, before we remove them. Then remove them and put them in a metal container that has a lid," Harvey said.

Harvey added that working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are essential in every home, especially during the colder months when fire risks increase.