How to Use Your Fireplace Or Woodstove Safely.

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By billips
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If you have a woodstove or fireplace, you must observe care with what and how you burn.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Always have a well-maintained fire extinguisher close to at hand.
Step 2

Never burn trash in your fireplace/wood stove. Unacceptable materials include Christmas wrappings or Christmas tree branches, charcoal (if your unit is wood-burning), and pressure-treated woods whose fumes are toxic.
Step 3

Use only crumpled newspapers to start your fire. Liquid starters and other materials thought safe for fire-starting can be just the opposite as they often ignite violently.
Step 4

Do not overload your wood stove or fireplace. Log piles can collapse and logs roll into the living area.
Step 5

Closely supervise your fire. If you see your stove or pipe glowing, close the damper immediately and check for creosote build-up.
Step 6

Burning soft woods causes creosote to build up more rapidly. Burn only dry aged woods.
Step 7

If you change your wood stove/fireplace in any way without following safety guidelines you may void both your insurance and any warranties you have.
Step 8

If you are moving into a new residence and have questions about your wood stove or fireplace, call in a professional before lighting any fires. The unit may require cleaning or modifications.
Step 9

Have your chimney cleaned regularly. Most fire departments recommend at least once a year though this may vary depending on what you burn and how often.

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