LAYTON, Utah (ABC 4 News) - There could be a danger lurking in your attic. Insulation meant to cut your heating bill can put your home at risk of fire.
The danger is from insulation that's blown into the attic of your home. Rebates are even offered for people who do it to make their homes more energy efficient, but fire officials now have a warning
The aftermath of the fire that ripped through a Layton home's attic over the weekend is devastating. The cause has been determined that insulation caught fire because it was too close to hot pipes.
Fire investigators like Doug Bitton say they're worried this could be a larger problem possibly affecting many more homes. He says, “We're seeing that the insulation is blown and applied right on to heat pipes.”
There will usually be fiber glass insulation - the pink cotton candy looking material. Blown above that is the cellulose insulation, essentially ground up newspaper with some chemical treatment to help prevent it from burning. In the case of the Layton home, there are markings on the fireplace pipe showing where that insulation burned because there was no separation from the heat.
Bitton says, “If it's directly applied on to something that's going to get hot that's a caution and warning that you possibly could get a fire.”
Contractors and homeowners need to form an insulation dam leaving at least an inch of space from hot pipes, lay down aluminum flashing to prevent insulation from entering the air space, and use metal or wire mesh to create a barrier around fixtures or vents.
Be vigilance of the quality of work done if you want to get cellulose insulation installed. Bitton adds, “Be sure to select a licensed contractor and double question. Ask them if everything in a good clearance standard according the codes now a days.”
Overall, if the insulation is installed properly homeowners don't need to worry. You can more information through
Energy Star. 
