Fireplace Safety

Editor's Choice Home Fire Safety Tips for Fire Prevention in Your Home

Jan 17, 2009 Jennifer Bryan

Practicing proper fireplace use can keep your family warm and safe.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, woodstoves and other fuel-fired appliances to heat their homes. Unfortunately, heating fires also account for over 30% of residential home fires every year. Many of these fires occur because people are simply unaware of the risks involved when heating with wood and other solid fuels. However, following the correct procedures can keep your fireplace operating properly and your family safe.

Fireplace Maintenance

One of the most important things you should do is have your flues and chimneys inspected and cleaned before each heating season begins. You should also be sure to have a mesh screen spark arrester covering the opening on your chimney. Such a guard keeps birds and small animals out of your chimney and keeps hot sparks in. Keep your roof clear of leaves and debris and remove any branches hanging above chimneys, flues or vents.

Inside the house, make sure the area around the hearth remains clear of debris, decorations and flammable materials. Always use a metal screen with your fireplace. If your fireplace has glass doors, leave them open when a fire is burning. You can also install a stovepipe thermometer so you can monitor the temperatures in your flue.

Safe Fireplace Use

Never use flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene or lighter fluid to start a fire. Burn only seasoned hardwood in your fireplace. Soft wood that isn’t completely dry can accelerate creosote build up because it burns at a lower temperature than dry wood. Because of the carbon monoxide risk, never burn charcoal or us a hibachi in your fireplace. Also avoid burning cardboard boxes, trash and other debris.

When you build a fire, be sure the damper is open and build a small fire at the rear of the fireplace on a proper metal grate. Small fires burn more completely and create less smoke. Once the fire is burning, don’t leave it unattended. Be sure to extinguish it completely before going to bed or leaving the house.

Also be certain the ashes are completely cool before closing the damper. Allowing coals to smolder with a closed damper can produce a build up of dangerous toxic gases in your home. To properly dispose of ashes, soak them in water and place them outside your home in a metal container.

Other Fire Safety Tips

  • Stack firewood outside at least 30 feet away from your home.
  • Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms should be installed on every level of your home and the batteries tested monthly. Change the batteries at least once a year.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher near your fireplace in case of an emergency.
  • Be sure all your heating equipment is properly ventilated.
  • All vent pipes must extend 3 feet above the roof of your house.

Sources:

The copyright of the article Fireplace Safety in Home Management is owned by Jennifer Bryan. Permission to republish Fireplace Safety in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
A safe fire is the best kind, Michael Fernbach A safe fire is the best kind
   
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