Burning Safely

• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
   
• Use only seasoned hardwood. Soft, moist wood accelerates creosote buildup.
   
• Build small fires that burn completely and produce less smoke.
   
• Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace or wood stove.
   
• When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace on an adequate supporting grate.
   
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
   
• Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside your home.

Protect the Outside of Your Home

• Stack firewood outdoors at least 30 feet away from your home.
   
• Keep the roof clear of leaves, pine needles and other debris.
   
• Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester.
   
• Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents.

Protect the Inside of Your Home

• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Consider installing the new long life smoke alarms.
   
• Install a carbon monoxide detector.
   
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
   
• Provide proper venting systems for all heating equipment.
   
• Extend all vent pipes at least three feet above the roof.

Keep Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean

• Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist.
   
• Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
   
• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces. Leave glass doors open while burning a fire.
   
• Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.
   
• Keep air inlets on wood stoves open, and never restrict air supply to fireplaces. Otherwise you may cause creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire.
   
• Use fire-resistant materials on walls around wood stoves.