Is hay + water baseboard radiator a fire hazard?

[cactuspancake]

I’ve googled fire and water baseboard radiator in several ways and I haven’t found anything substantial except other people being paranoid- but my concern is that a lot of hay gets wedged in there (hay and dust) and it absolutely can’t be cleaned all the way (because parts are like a deep thin grill so no vacuum suction or picking it out completely) and I wanted to know if it could cause a fire. I know that steam and electric baseboard radiators can, but I don’t know about water. Most people say that the substance touching it has to have a low flash point and that a couch or dresser is safe… But obviously hay IS tinder… This is an important question because if the answer is yes then I might have to lock up the bunnies which I haven’t done before and I don’t really have a way to do it. The heaters run all along their walls and the hay gets everywhere even though I would consider my hay mess “well managed” at this point. I know nothing about these heaters… I would at least like some sort of reference to an actual incident of fire before I decide it is really a hazard. Also, the baseboard radiators have been full of hay for two winters now, I’m not sure if that’s proof of safety or luck. Maybe I should find a manufacturer? Also the pipes aren’t insulated and the house is over 100 yrs old with old wood touching them and it also looks fine. Any thoughts or maybe cleaning techniques for these?

-Natasha

[LittlePuffyTail]

hmmm….I don’t really know much about those types of heaters, unfortunately. I can understand why you are worried. Having so many animals, I’m a bit fire paranoid myself. I really hope someone can chime in with some info/advice that may help.

Haven’t seen you around in a while, where ya been?

[Sam and Lady's Human]

Should be fine, as long as its not over 150 degrees F
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/dairy/facts/hayfires.htm

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I would at least like some sort of reference to an actual incident of fire before I decide it is really a hazard

Its quoted as the most frequent cause of heating related fires in Seattle

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattle911/2010/04/19/are-baseboard-heaters-safe/

I don’t see a need to lock bunnies up, Why don’t you ensure hay is only in a room where the heaters aren’t, and that’s its in a hay feeder or cardboard box? Also try a shopvac that is powerful enough to suck hay without touching it to clean what’s already on the heat registers.

[Elrohwen]

I have baseboard heaters in every room and they are along two walls of the bunny room (since they are along most exterior walls). I really should sweep them out better than I do, as I’m sure there’s some risk, but in general I don’t worry about it much. My heaters seem to stay cool enough that I can touch them, so I don’t imagine them starting a fire.

The majority of houses in my region use baseboard heating and I don’t hear of fires. I assume people are doing stupider things next to their baseboard heating than leaving some hay around.

You can control the temp of the water flowing through the radiator by adjusting your hot water heater settings too.

[Elrohwen]

Posted By Kokaneeandkahlua on 10/16/2012 07:46 AM

I would at least like some sort of reference to an actual incident of fire before I decide it is really a hazard

Its quoted as the most frequent cause of heating related fires in Seattle

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattle911/2010/04/19/are-baseboard-heaters-safe/

I don’t see a need to lock bunnies up, Why don’t you ensure hay is only in a room where the heaters aren’t, and that’s its in a hay feeder or cardboard box? Also try a shopvac that is powerful enough to suck hay without touching it to clean what’s already on the heat registers.

This article doesn’t seem to mention if they are electric or hot water baseboard heaters – big difference in the fire safety aspect.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Oh that’s so true Elrohwen-I mean really they are likely talking about big things against the heaters-like couches- rather than small amounts of hay -so I’m sure some hay isn’t really an issue.

[cactuspancake]

Thanks for the advice guys. Yeah, electrics are dangerous and so are steam, but I haven’t heard any confirmed fires or any stories about water ones even that I can remember.

No, I do have a shop vac and the leafy parts are just too thin and deep. I did some looking in there and boy did I find some weird stuff. (there were homeless squatting here before me) I find candy wrappers and I found part I jeans, and some other clothing pieces. They all looked fine so that made me feel better, and also tons of hay had been in there for the past 2 years and I’ve never checked so I feel safe. I think I will try canned air that I can poke down the slats!

Every room in the house has them, and it doesnt matter where the hay is it will find it’s way in along with bunny fluff!

Ps: sorry I didn’t have notifications on and I was waiting for email responses

[MimzMum]

I hate to admit to this but my house has those baseboards and yes…they are impossible to keep clear…even with a shop vac.

I think the guards on the fronts can be removed to make cleaning easier. Otherwise the suggestions already mentioned are wise, including lowering your overall boiler temp.

Since there is no fire service in my area I make certain to have carriers staged for all my pets because we will need to make a quick escape in case the house burns. Sadly it will go to ground due to the lack of firefighters. It is my worst fear.

[LittlePuffyTail]

No firefighters? That’s scary!!! We have a fire station a few minutes from us but I’m still super paranoid about my house catching on fire.

[cactuspancake]

Mizmumyes that’s scary unfortunately I think it would be near impossible to get them out safely at my place, their room is next to the kitchen and they have all their boxes, tunnel, and condo to hide in and they’re terrible to get for the vet as it is!

[MimzMum]

My three are unboned and as such only one is allowed run time at any one time … so they can be caught but it’s getting all three buns, all three cats and the two dogs crated and out the door quickly that is iffy.
Fire drills maybe? Just practice getting those carriers together and outside without the buns first and slowly get them used to the hustle and bustle?
Bunnies…so helpless and yet so impossible to help in certain situations. :'(

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