Whether it’s because we’re so used to seeing them in households or we’re easily captured by the warmth and beauty of a wood-burning fire, it’s easy to forget that a poorly-maintained fireplace can seriously threaten your home and personal safety.
This isn’t to say that one shouldn’t make of the most of their fireplace, though- few things make a home seem more inviting than a well kept fire, and it’s particularly enjoyable in the wintertime. If you are going to lite a fire in your fireplace, here are the 5 steps you’ll want to take to ensure for maximum safety:
1. Keep away combustibles
If you have any flammable objects in a room with a fireplace (and chances are, many things in your home fit the bill), keep them at least three feet away from the fire. Using a metal or glass screen, having someone watch the fire at all times, and ensuring tree branches are at least 15 feet from the chimney are all worthwhile precautions to take as well.
2. Dispose of the ashes
Once you have a fair buildup of ashes, dispose of them in a noncombustible metal container (with a lid!) at least 10 feet away from any building or deck. You may also want to wet the ashes down, as they can otherwise stay hot for days.
3. Check structural integrity
Make sure your chimney is inspected at least once a year to make sure it’s structurally sound. Whether this is done by a professional chimney inspector or yourself, key things to look out for include smoke in unexpected places and popping or cracking sounds in the chimney or flue.
4. Keep a clean chimney
A leading cause of chimney fires is Creosote, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Creosote builds up when you have any combination of restricted air supply, unseasoned wood, and/or cold, damp flues, so get your chimney cleaned at the start of every season.
5. Ensure for proper installation
When installing a chimney, always use a licensed installer and be careful not to use said chimney for any prolonged period of time. You may also want to make sure that the framing around your chimney/fireplace isn’t combustible, as prolonged exposure to heat may lead to a fire (not the good kind, mind you) through gradual charring and, eventually, combustion.