Neither the fire department nor the insurance company's independent inspector came up with anything more than "accidental and unexplained arising from the woodstove". Both have said the stove was in good condition and that the install was correct. It clearly started in the wall that was behind the stove - there were no electrical outlets, or wiring in the area.
My guess - and that's all it is and I did not bring it up with any on the fire officials - is that somehow it got started where the thimble penetrated the exterior wall. Chimney was an exterior masonry one. I have no idea what the clearance was between the thimble and the siding. I can tell you that on the new chimney the siding is cut back to the outside edge of the chimney blocks.
Mason and contractor both told me that it was not necessary, etc. I've been down this road once and will take whatever precautions seem reasonable on the rebuild. Certainly won't cause a problem to have more clearance than required so long as it is well caulked on the exterior.
Sailor
My guess - and that's all it is and I did not bring it up with any on the fire officials - is that somehow it got started where the thimble penetrated the exterior wall. Chimney was an exterior masonry one. I have no idea what the clearance was between the thimble and the siding. I can tell you that on the new chimney the siding is cut back to the outside edge of the chimney blocks.
Mason and contractor both told me that it was not necessary, etc. I've been down this road once and will take whatever precautions seem reasonable on the rebuild. Certainly won't cause a problem to have more clearance than required so long as it is well caulked on the exterior.
Sailor
