Wood Stove / Fire Place Safety Tips

We all enjoy the coziness of a warm fire, but danger can be lurking if precautions are not taken:

Chimneys

Chimney

All chimneys deteriorate through heavy use, neglect, and age. Some of the many problems include cracked or missing bricks, a blocked flue, missing mortar, a deteriorated crown, corroded flashing, corroded pre-fabricated chimneys, and creosote build-up.

Creosote forms when unburned waste products from wood adhere to the sides of the chimney. The worst danger is that creosote can ignite inside your chimney. A hot and quickly spreading chimney fire can cause damage to your entire house! A disaster such as this can be easily avoided by having your chimney checked annually.

Wood Stoves

Wood stove

Be sure to follow the manufacturers' directions and the local building codes for proper installation, use, and maintenance of your wood-burning stove.

Always start your fire using paper and small pieces of kindling. Never use accelerants to start a fire. Things can get out of hand in a hurry!

Burn only well-seasoned wood. Green or unseasoned wood burns cooler than well-seasoned wood, and can cause creosote to build up at a much faster rate.

Be sure to clean the ashes out of your wood-burning stove on a regular basis. Store the ashes in a covered metal container. Hot coals in discarded ashes can easily ignite grass, leaves, and trees if left uncovered. Keep the ash container at a safe distance away from the house and any other nearby buildings.

Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers

Change the batteries and test each smoke detector unit regularly. If for some reason you have disconnected a smoke detector, hook it back up. This precaution SAVES LIVES! Smoke detectors can be purchased at most hardware, home building, and a variety of retail stores. This is a very inexpensive way to protect you and your family.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy, and make sure that everyone in your household knows how to use it. Keep your fire extinguisher well maintained. If it does not work, it won't do you any good!

Summary of Tips

  • Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a certified, insured Chimney Sweep.
  • Never start a fire using an accelerant.
  • Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood.
  • Clean out the ashes regularly.
  • Store the ashes in a covered metal container at a safe distance from your house.
  • Be sure your smoke detectors are in proper working order.
  • Obtain a building permit prior to installing your wood stove.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
  • Make sure your fire extinguisher is well maintained and that every household member knows how to use it.

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