Ash Disposal

One of the biggest fire hazards is the improper disposal of ashes during fireplace season. Cleaning the ashes out of the firebox and not letting them build up to the point that they overflow/fall out of the firebox is a good idea.

However, improper disposal of the ashes is a big fire hazard. The ashes can stay hot or viable for up to 3 days after you have a fire in the fireplace. The biggest mistake that people make is when they clean out the ashes from the firebox they place them in a paper bag or box and they are placed on a wood deck temporarily or in a trash can for garbage pick up. They can easily start a fire at this point.

It is recommended to use a metal container with a lid to put the ashes in. Place the ashes in the can away from the home and let them sit a week. Then dispose of them in your yard or garden.

Overloading the firebox (big fires)

A very common problem occurs when the homeowner wants a big fire in a little fireplace. The firebox is overloaded with firewood to get a "big" or "hot" fire. Most local fireplaces in this area are not meant to heat the home. They are just there for atmosphere or looks.

When too much wood is placed on the grate (or in some cases all you see in the firebox is wood) and the fire is started, the flames can easily go past the damper into the flue area. This can increase the chances for a chimney fire due to direct flame contact.

A good rule of thumb to remember is that if the top of the flames in the firebox cannot be seen the fire is too big. That way the right size fire is built for that size fireplace.

Roof Debris

Debris on the roof near the chimney or overhanging limbs can be a major problem when you add wood or stoke the fire due to flying embers. The tender sun dried material can be easily ignited by a small ember.

Each fall have the roof and gutters cleaned out of leaves and pine straw, and if needed, tree limbs trimmed near the chimney.

Damper Position

Every fireplace season the fire department is called to residences to help get smoke out of the house. This happens when the homeowner builds a fire and forgets to open the damper.

Check the damper position before you light the fire even if you know it is already open.

Starting the Fire

People use all kinds of things to start a fire, from liquid or solid fire starters to newspapers or "fat pine" to help get the fire going.

We recommend some type of starter log that can be purchased in any retail store due to length of burn time and decreased embers they create. Newspaper or paper products are not recommended due to the heavy volume of embers that go up the chimney and the sudden short flash of heat they create that can increase the chance of a chimney fire.

Burning Trash

A fireplace is not an incinerator for things you feel are confidential such as checks, bank statements etc. Burning paper in the fireplace can be a hazard and it makes a mess. Also, they may not completely burn up unless fed slowly into the fire. We recommend paper shredders for this purpose.

Watch those candles and what is near them as well.

They are pretty but it is also a live open flame. Sturdy candleholders and keeping flammable objects away from candles will reduce accidents. If light is needed for power outages lanterns are better than candles and easier to carry. Remember that candles are the number one soot producer in a home. The open flame can cause a great amount of soot build up on the crown molding, upper portions of walls and ceilings of a room, although, fireplaces normally get the blame. The more candles you have in a home burning the more indoor air quality is affected as well.