Safety for Fireplaces

Keep children and pets away from the fireplace, and always close the screen.

Fireplaces are beautiful and functional additions to homes, providing visual interest and heat to any room. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas are heating fires, so proper care and maintenance of your fireplace is important to reduce your risks. Understanding your fireplace will make your home much safer for you and your family.

Clean

You should have your chimneys inspected annually and cleaned by a CSIA-certified chimney service technician as necessary, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America. This cuts down on the chance of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings as a result of creosote buildup or chimney obstructions. Clean out the ashes from previous fires before lighting a new one. If you have a gas fireplace, clean the fan, related air circulation packages and the glass, suggests the Heart, Patio and Barbecue Association website. This should be done by a professional for optimal safety.

Inside

Keep distance between combustible materials and your fireplace. The CSIA recommends keeping your furniture at least 36 inches away from the hearth. Clear the area of debris, decorations and any other flammable materials, and only use fire-resistant materials around the fireplace. Use a metal mesh screen and leave the glass doors open when you have a fire lit. Make sure you have proper ventilation for your fireplace to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Outside

Install a chimney cap to insure no debris or animals get stuck in your chimney, and keep your roof clear of tree branches and leaves, maintaining at least 15 feet between the top of the chimney and everything else. Store your firewood outside and at least 30 feet away from your home. For further protection, cover the chimney with a screen spark arrester to keep any sparks from starting fires.

Emergency

Inside your home, install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your house. Test them monthly, changing batteries annually. keep a fire extinguisher handy and make sure everyone knows how to use it. Never leave a fire unattended.

Burn

Do not burn cardboard boxes, plastic, trash or debris in your fireplace. Never start a fire with flammable liquids, and use only seasoned hardwood. Only build small fires that burn completely and emit less smoke. When building a fire, position firewood or fire logs at the rear of the fireplace on a supporting grate. Use kindling or a commercial firelighter to start the fire. Always make sure the damper is opened fully before lighting the fire. Shut the screen to catch flying sparks and keep anything from falling into the fire.

References

• U.S. Fire Administration: Fireplace and Home Fire Safety
• Chimney Safety Institute of America: Top 10 Woodburning Tips
• Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association: Fireplace Safety