ATTLEBORO - With the purchase of wood and pellet burning stoves on the rise, city Building Inspector Doug Semple and his crew are on the lookout for homes that appear to have new stoves because they may have been installed illegally.

He estimated that permits issued for wood and pellet burning stoves have jumped about 60 percent this year.

With a huge increase like that, there are sure to be people who installed stoves without permits or inspections, which can lead to dangerous situations, Semple said.

Fires, injuries and deaths can result from improperly installed stoves, he said.

"Out fear is that we'll have illegal stoves and that we'll have house fires," Semple said. "As we drive around, we'll be looking for new silver or black pipes sticking out of houses." If inspectors see any, they'll check the address for a permit to make sure the installation was inspected.

Anyone installing a stove should call or visit the inspection office for specifics on the permit process and regulations.

Building inspection can be reached by calling 508-223-2222, extension, 3251.