Fire Watch Duty

Desiree and I have developed a new habit. Each evening, now that winter is nudging at our toes, we engage in a session of “fire watch” duty. In the traditional sense, “fire watch” refers to the responsibility of monitoring a specific area to identify and respond to potential fire hazards, ensuring safety and compliance with fire prevention protocols. In our case, we are languishing in front of our wood stove—often “oohing” and “aahing”—as we watch waiflike flames mesh together, wavering, rising, and falling.

The colors produced by the fire are most impressive, showcasing flames streaked with blue, yellow, red, and orange.

I am sharing two images I captured of the flames within our stove. At the top of each image, you will note the grid of red-hot metal. That’s the catalytic combustor at work. Its task is to ignite and burn off smoke and gases emitted by the wood. To function efficiently, the combustor should be at a temperature of 500°F. Last night, the combustor temperature sensor indicated a reading slightly above 1,000°F for just a minute or two before settling down to something above 600°F.

I am amazed by how little smoke the wood stove emits while, at the same time, producing enough heat to keep the entire house cozy.

—Mitchell Hegman