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DON’T GO UP IN SMOKE!
Most fire damage from fireplaces and wood burning stoves are caused by human error, misuse or lack of maintenance and care. Be prepared by beginning to think about fireplace safety BEFORE you start using wood heat in the cold months. Common sense tells us it is easier to do maintenance work in warmer weather and chimney cleaning services can be less busy and, in some cases, less costly earlier in the season.

  • Fireplace safety checklist:

    • Use a metal screen or door in front of fireplaces and wood burning stoves to keep sparks and ashes from contacting the floor or furniture.
    • Keep fires small. Ash buildup in the chimney can ignite with excessive heat caused by larger fires.
    • Open a window 1"-2" when burning a fireplace. Good ventilation can provide adequate outside air for combustion and will minimize backventing. Backventing is caused by lack of adequate air that leads to excessive carbon monoxide in your home and could result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
    • Keep three feet of clearance around stoves and fireplaces. This will let air circulate and keep furniture and flammable items away from the heat source.
    • Store ashes in a covered metal container at least ten feet away from the house. Let them sit for a week or more before disposing of ashes in the garbage.
    • Don’t burn paper or pine boughs in the fireplace. They can float out the chimney and cause fires on the roof or beyond.
    • Never use flammable liquids in wood burning stoves or fireplaces.
    • Never burn charcoal indoors.
    • Store firewood at least ten feet from the side of the house or garage.
    • Check with local fire code officials before installing a fireplace or wood burning stove.
    • Gas burning fireplaces should be operated per manufacturer’s specifications and standards and in compliance with ANSI standard Z223. Use ONLY the fuel listed to the manufacturer’s specification. Flues for gas operated fireplaces are rarely designed to manage the types of heat that organic woods can produce.
    • Chimneys should be free of cracks and loose bricks.
    • All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry.
    • Inspect your walls and ceilings near the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, have it inspected by a qualified professional.
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      Page last updated on:  March 31st, 2008
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