Fireplace Safety



Scott Freitag
St. Charles Fire Department
E-mail: scott.freitag@stcharlescity.com

It is getting cold outside which means it’s a good time to sit around with family and friends to enjoy a comfortable fire in your fireplace. But, before you light a fire you should consider the following safety tips:

Have your fireplace insert and flue cleaned and checked by a professional.
Never leave a fire unattended.
Clear the area around the fire place.
Use a screen to keep sparks in and children out.
Do not burn trash in the fireplace e.g. wrapping paper or cardboard.
It is recommended that you use a hardwood (oak, hickory, ash, etc.) because it burns cleaner than softwoods (fir, pine, cedar, etc.).
Use seasoned wood as opposed to freshly cut green wood.
Place ashes in a metal container away from the home.
Keep fires small and comfortable as opposed to a large raging fire that can crack a flue.
Leave glass fireplace doors open while a fire is burning.
DO NOT use liquid fuels to help start a fire.
Make sure the damper on the flue is open.
If you have a gas fire place, have it inspected at the same time you have all other gas appliances inspected.
Make sure all smoke detectors in your home work.
Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm.
Practice a fire exit drill.

Following these tips will help to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time with family and friends around a warm and comfortable fire.