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Inspect the fireplace. Make sure it
has adequate protective linings and smoke ducts. Check to see that the
chimney is clear and in good repair.
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If you are installing a
factory-made fireplace, it should not be located near any combustible
materials. It should also have adequate flame and heat barriers.
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Have chimneys inspected annually,
and cleaned as necessary, by a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of
America) Certified Chimney Sweep. This reduces the risk of fires and
carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote buildup or obstructions in
the chimneys. To locate a certified sweep, visit the CSIA Web site at
www.csia.org
or call
1-800-536-0118. A certified sweep can also perform maintenance on your
wood stove or
help remove gas logs from a fireplace.
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Keep the top of chimneys clear of
tree limbs or debris.
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Install a chimney cap to keep
debris and animals out of the chimney.
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Always open the damper before
lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. This will
avert the build-up of poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide.
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Fuel the fire safely. For burning
firewood in wood stoves or fireplaces, choose well-seasoned wood that
has been dried for a minimum of six months to a year and stored
properly.
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Build it right. Place firewood or
fire logs at the rear of the fireplace on a supporting grate. To start
the fire, use a firelighter.
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Never use gasoline, charcoal
lighter or other fuel to light or relight a fire because the vapors
can explode. Never keep flammable fuels near a fire. Vapors can travel
the length of a room and explode.
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Do not use coal or charcoal in a
fireplace because because of the danger of carbon monoxide build-up.
Do not burn trash or gift wrap in the fireplace because polystyrene
foam and other coated materials can generate deadly fumes. Flying
paper embers could also ignite the roof.
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Do not treat artificial logs like
real logs. Artificial logs are usually made of sawdust and wax and
have special burning properties. Be sure to read the instructions on
the logs and follow them carefully. Use just one log at a time and do
not add another log until the fire is completely out. Never add an
artificial log to a natural wood fire that is already burning. Wait at
least two hours before adding an artificial log to a natural log fire
because it could cause a flare-up.
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Do not poke artificial logs because
the flaming wax could stick to the poker and drop onto the floor or
carpet. Poking a log could also cause a flare-up.
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Home rolled newspaper logs should
never be soaked in flammable fuels of any kind because of the severe
danger of explosion. Soaking the newspaper in water either before
rolling or during rolling removes the clay content and will provide a
better burning log. Then, stack the logs on end and let them dry for
two weeks in the basement. When lighting the newspaper logs, use
kindling just as you would for a regular fire.
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Do not overload the fireplace.
Large fires can lead to overheating of wall or roof materials,
particularly if the fireplace is constructed of metal.
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Always use a screen around the
fireplace to keep sparks from flying out and to protect children and
adults from accidental clothing ignition.
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Warn children about the danger of
fire. Do not let them play with fire.
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Keep flammable materials such as
carpets, pillows, furniture or papers away from the fireplace area.
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At holiday time, make sure the
Christmas tree is not close enough to be ignited by a spark. Be
especially careful of accidentally igniting holiday wrapping papers.
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Always make sure that the fire is
completely extinguished before going to bed for the night or when
leaving the house.
