Safety Resources - Fireplace Safety
Fireplace Dangers | Fireplace Safety
In our efforts to stay warm this winter, it's important to remember that heating equipment is the number one cause of home fires in the United States. To ensure your safety, you should follow these fire safety tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association:
- If you have a fireplace, make sure you have your chimney inspected by a professional every winter and cleaned if necessary. A chemical substance called Creosote forms when wood burns and can build up in a chimney and cause a fire if not properly cleaned.
- Protect your home and family by always using a sturdy screen when burning wood.
- Remember to burn wood only. Never burn paper or pine boughs because they can float out of the chimney and ignite your roof or that of a neighboring house.
- If you purchase a factory-built fireplace, select one listed by an independent testing laboratory.
- If you own a wood stove, be sure to inspect chimney connections and chimney flues at the beginning of each heating season. They should also be cleaned periodically.
- Follow the same safety rules for wood stoves as you would for space heaters. Burn wood only and be sure the wood stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect your floor from heat and hot coals. Be sure to check with your local fire department and check local codes before having your wood stove installed.
Fireplace Dangers
- Do not stack artificial logs in the fireplace like you would real wood.
- Do not use your fireplace if it has loose bricks or needs to be cleaned.
- Do not burn charcoal, coal, or plastic materials (wrap, cups, plates, etc.).
- Do not burn garbage in the fireplace.
- Do not ever use gasoline or other such liquid to start or help a fire to start.
- Do not allow small children near the fireplace.
Do not leave a fire unattended.
Fireplace Safety
- Use natural logs. However, if you use the artificial logs, be sure to follow the directions on the package.
- Check your fireplace and chimney often and keep them clean and in good repair.
- Always make sure that a good fire screen is in front of the fireplace.
- Keep the damper set so the draft (flow of air) will remove all smoke and gases when the fireplace is on. Remember, too much air flow might let the fire get out of control.
- Keep the area near the fireplace clear of materials like papers, books, toys, etc. Everyone should know about the possibility of flying sparks from the fire and what to do about them.
- Make sure that the fire is completely out before going to bed or if you plan to leave the house.
- Always keep a fire extinguisher close at hand. Make sure that everyone knows how to use it.
