By admin Published March 2, 2023

Everyone loves a nice, cozy fire. Remember that fire can be very dangerous and needs to be controlled to properly enjoy it! There are a few important safety tips you should follow if you want to safely enjoy your fireplace for years to come!

Have Your Fireplace Inspected and Cleaned

Maintaining the safety of your fireplace is essential for the successful use of your fireplace each season. Before making use of it, get a qualified professional to inspect and clean your fireplace to ensure that the flue, damper, and chimney are working properly and that there is no risk of excessive smoke or ash entering your home. Professional inspection and cleaning are especially important if you have not used your fireplace in a while, as over time issues may arise that need to be addressed by an experienced technician. Taking precautions such as getting regular inspections can help to keep you, your family, and your home safe.

Only Burn Dry Wood

Burning wet wood in a fireplace is a common but dangerous mistake. Not only does this result in extra smoke and soot, but it can also cause creosote to build up in the chimney, which poses a serious risk of fire. To reduce the chance of an unwanted fire, it is important to make sure the wood being burned is dry. Before buying firewood, ensure that it has been properly seasoned and stored in dry conditions. This should be done at least six months before use so that the moisture content is below 20%. The best way to check if the wood is sufficiently dry is by looking out for signs such as cracking on the ends or breaks across the log. Most importantly, always practice safety when using a fireplace including proper monitoring and keeping flames away from children.

Don’t Overload the Fireplace

When using a fireplace, it is important to take into account the amount of wood that you are putting in. Putting too much wood can cause the flame to get out of control and create a hazardous situation. Overloading the fireplace is one of the major causes of fires in homes, so it’s crucial to be mindful of how much fuel you’re adding. An easy way to combat this is by ensuring that you are only adding as much wood as you need to keep the fire going–don’t add an excessive amount as this can cause serious safety concerns if not managed correctly.

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy

Nothing can put a damper on the cozy atmosphere of a roaring fire quite like an emergency. To be sure that you are prepared and protected, it is important to keep a fire extinguisher nearby at all times. Having access to a fire extinguisher when a fire starts can help mitigate the damage and prevent any potentially dire situations before they have a chance to happen. Make sure your extinguisher is in working condition, as well as easily accessible for use when necessary.

Never Leave a Fire Unattended

Fireplaces can add warmth and a cozy atmosphere to your home, but it is important to stay safe when using them. It is essential that someone always remain vigilant and in the same room while a fire is lit, never leaving it unattended. If you have to leave the room even briefly, make sure that you start by completely extinguishing the flames. This will help ensure that your home (and any pets or family members in it) does not become a victim of an accidental or preventable fire-related incident.

Make Sure All the Embers Are Out

Fireplaces can be a great source of warmth and ambiance for your home, but preserving safety should always be a top priority. One important note when it comes to enjoying your fireplace is to make sure all embers are fully extinguished before you leave the area. Even if you think everything is put out, take the extra time to double-check that all embers are no longer burning, as it only takes one red-hot piece of ash or coal to reignite and cause immense destruction. Following this essential tip will help ensure that everyone and everything in your home remains safe from the dangers of fire.

If you have any more questions about fire safety, feel free to reach out to your friends at Carbondale Fire!