Fireplace Safety Tips as Fall Approaches

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Fireplace Safety Tips

• Make sure the damper is open before lighting a fire so the fireplace will vent properly. Do not close your damper until you are sure the fire is out.
• When starting a fire, only use a match or commercial firelighter. Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Keep fireplace glass doors open while burning a fire. This allows the fire to receive enough air for complete combustion and to help reduce creosote build-up in the chimney. Creosote is a substance that derives from incomplete combustion.³
• Keep metal mesh screens closed whenever your fireplace is in use to help keep embers in the fireplace.
• Only use dry wood in your fireplace. Wet wood can increase the build-up of creosote, which can lead to chimney fires. Select wood – preferably hard wood – that has been seasoned six months to a year.⁴
• Do not burn plastic: it can release toxic chemicals and cause damage to your chimney, fireplace or wood stove.
• Never burn a Christmas tree in your fireplace, as the sparks from burning needles can increase the risk for a chimney fire. Also, do not burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper or trash in your fireplace.
• Never leave a fire in a fireplace unattended. Before leaving the house or going to bed, make certain to fully extinguish the fire.
• Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them and note that ashes can take several days to cool completely. Never empty ashes directly into a trash can. Instead, place ashes in a covered metal container located at least 10 feet away from your home and any other building.