Things You'll Need:
- Fire Detector
- Fire Logs
- Fireplaces
- Firewood
- Fire Extinguishers
- Fire Extinguishers
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Step 1
Start a fire that isn't too large for your fireplace. Fires that are too large are dangerous, can cause cracks in your chimney and can waste fuel.
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Step 2
Select the right logs. Generally, fire logs burn cleaner than firewood, which burns cleaner than hardwood firewood (hickory, oak), which in turn burns cleaner than softwood firewood (fir, cedar).
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Step 3
Keep the fire ventilated. Open glass fireplace screens (see manufacturer's instructions for specific use) and close the damper (which controls the draft) to keep warm air inside once the fire has been completely extinguished.
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Step 4
Prevent flammable creosote from clogging chimney walls. Certain kinds of firewood deposit more creosote than others; fire logs leave less.
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Step 5
Have your fireplace inspected and cleaned annually. Make sure the chimney sweep is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
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Step 6
Check chimneys for cracking, loose bricks and any other signs of deterioration.









Comments
Mystisch said
on 12/21/2008 Hi G-Unit ... I think you pulled a "Mystisch"... Re-read number 3. hehehe
#3 Keep the fire ventilated. Open glass fireplace screens (see manufacturer's instructions for specific use) and close the damper (which controls the draft) to keep warm air inside -->once the fire has been completely extinguished.<--
G-Unit said
on 12/5/2008 I disagree with step 3. Closing the damper will cut the oxygen off to the fire and smoke will enter your home. You need to keep the damper open when a fire is going. Closing that would also increase the chance for carbon monoxide to enter the home. You should have a carbon monoxide / smoke detector in a nearby room. I don't see any of that info in this article.