Fireplace Safety Tips

Series Summary

A fireplace is an architectural structure consisting of a space designed to contain a fire, generally use for heating but occasionally used for cooking as well. The space in which the fire is contained is called a firebox or firepit, while a chimney or flue allows gas and exhaust to escape the building. In colder climates throughout the world, the fireplace has traditionally been a central feature of the household as it gives warmth to aid survival through colder temperatures. The sensation of direct heat and the beautiful visual stimulation provided by wood fires make its use enjoyable in cold conditions, or to create a desirable ambiance.

Building a fire in a fireplace is much like building a fire in a firepit or a campfire. In this video series, our expert will show you how to used firewood, or artificial firewood, to build and start a fire through step-by-step instructions. From what kind of wood and kindling to use, to stacking and adding wood, you'll learn how to start a fire, ventilate a fire, and keep the right size of fire safely burning in your fireplace. Whether you're saving money on the heating bill in the winter, roasting marshmallows, or enjoying a cozy night at home, building a fire in the fireplace will create a warm feeling that you can't duplicate.

Video Transcript

"Hi! I'm Bobby on behalf of Expert Village. In this series, I am going to show you several different ways that you could easily light a fire within your fireplace and I am going to show you several safety techniques or things that you need to be aware of when lighting a fire in your house. I'd like to take a moment to talk about fireplace safety. On your fireplace you need to make sure that you have a screen to prevent the ashes from popping out and maybe hitting your rug and starting your house on fire. I have 2 screens on this fireplace. This one is mainly decorative but you could use it also but on the inside I have another screen. I need to make sure and close it anytime I have a fire going on in there that will stop any of the ashes from popping and falling out onto your rug in the living room. You need to make sure that the hearth is nice and clean and that there is no flammable materials right in front of the fireplace. This particular house that I am in is tile right here so it is a pretty safe setup. You just to make sure that anything you can catch on fire is a good distance away from the fireplace. "