Fireplace Safety

If you plan to curl up next to a cozy fireplace or wood-burning stove this winter, keep these safety tips in mind:

  • Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
  • If your fireplace has glass doors, always keep them open while a fire burns. This ensures the fire receives enough air to complete combustion. Make sure to use a metal mesh screen as well.
  • Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned once a year by a chimney specialist.
  • When using a wood stove, only use seasoned wood for fuel. Don’t use green wood, artificial logs or trash.
  • Never wear loose-fitting clothes around an open flame. Before going to bed or leaving the house, make sure the fire is completely out and allow ashes to cool before disposal.
  • Use only seasoned hardwood. Soft, moist wood accelerates creosote buildup.
  • Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace or wood stove.
  • Allow ashes to cool before disposing of them. Never empty the ash directly into a trash can. Douse and saturate them with water.

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