Wood-burning fireplace require special diligence

By Special to 318 Forum

While a lit fireplace is tops on the list of cozy winter scenes, dirty chimneys are the leading factor contributing to home heating fires.

The National Fire Protection Association says chimney build up is the root cause of around 30% of home heating fires. Heating equipment, including fireplaces and wood stoves, is the second leading cause of house fires and the third leading cause of home fire deaths.

Fuel

Use dry, well-aged wood as a fuel in a wood stove or wood-burning fireplace. Wet or green wood causes smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney. Make sure wood is in small pieces and the ash from previous fires has been cleaned out. A thick layer of ash restricts air supply to the logs, resulting in more smoke. Don’t burn paper or garbage in your fireplace or wood stove.

Maintenance

Make sure the damper or flue is open before starting a fire. Keep it open until the fire is out to draw smoke out of the house. Check it by using a flashlight or mirror to look up the chimney. Keep a window cracked while the fire is burning and have your chimney checked annually by a professional. Even if it’s not due for a cleaning, it’s important to check it for animal nests and other blockages.

Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them once a month, and change the batteries at least once a year. Replace glass screens on the front of the fireplace with safety screens to reduce the risk of burns.

Watch

Never leave a fire unattended in the fireplace. Make sure it is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. The area around the fireplace should be clear of anything potentially flammable, and children should be taught as early as possible about the danger of fires and the heat coming from them. Never leave a child unattended near a fireplace, and keep fireplace tools, lighters and matches out of their reach. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand near the fireplace in case of emergency.