Mark Vial, of VBS Heating Products, demonstrates how to disconnect the flexible air intake hose on Monitor and Toyo stoves in the event of heavy ash accumulation. Direct vented heaters are designed to draw outside air for combustion, according to Vial. There are built-in air traps in both Monitor and Toyo units that collect debris, such as dust, bugs and ash, and can easily be cleaned if necessary. During volcanic ash fallout, when outside air coming in needs to be minimized the most, the flexible air intake hose can be disconnected temporarily and safely from the flue to draw inside air in for combustion. Aluminum foil can be used to cover the exposed end of the flue.

Photo by McKibben Jackinsky, Hom