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Tips for fireplace safety:
- Make sure that the fire is out completely before retiring for the night or when leaving the house.
- It is always advised to use a fireplace screen.
- The fire place should not be overloaded with too many logs. Logs should be placed at the rear of the fireplace, preferably on a grate.
- A fire extinguisher should always be handy and smoke detectors placed throughout the house.
- The area around the fireplace and chimney should be kept clean and debris close to the fireplace should be cleared. Check the flue for obstructions like bird's nests, and trim any overhanging branches or large trees near the chimney.
- The fireplaces should be inspected annually and cleaned when necessary. Inspect it to be sure that it has adequate protective linings and smoke ducts and that the chimney is clear and in good repair.
- The right fuel should be chosen. In general, hardwood firewood (oak, madrone, hickory, ash, etc.) burns cleaner than softwood firewood (fir, pine, cedar, etc.).
- Good fireplace habits can decrease fuel consumption in the home while maintaining the same level of warmth. Make sure the fire gets enough air to burn properly. Close the damper when the fire is out to keep warm room air inside.
- Make a fire that fits your fireplace. A fire that's too large or too hot not only wastes fuel, it can crack your chimney.
- Keep your fireplace in good working condition. In case a crack is noticed or any loose mortar or brick, have your chimney repaired.
- Open the damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. This will avert the build-up of poisonous gases, especially while the family is sleeping.
- If your fireplace is equipped with glass doors, leave them open while burning a firelog to allow proper draught and cleaner burning.
- Never use gasoline, kerosene or lighter fluid to start a fire. Burn only dry, seasoned hardwood. For extra safety, light fires with long-stemmed matches.
- Protect the top of your chimney with a guard that keeps out birds and small animals and keeps in sparks that could ignite your roof.
- Keep flammables such as newspapers, magazines, rugs and carpeting well away from the fireplace.
- Do not use coal or charcoal in a fireplace because of the danger of carbon monoxide build-up. Home rolled newspaper logs should never be soaked in flammable fuels of any kind because of the severe danger of explosion. Soaking the newspaper in water either before rolling or during rolling removes the clay content and will provide a better burning log.
- Warn children about the danger of fire. Do not let them play with fire.
- Keep flammable materials such as carpets, pillows, furniture or papers away from the fireplace area.