Household Hints & HELP!

Fireplace & Wood Stove Safety Tips
submitted by Lorene Bartos, Extension Educator

This article appeared in the October 27, 2002 Lincoln Journal Star Newspaper.

There's nothing cozier than a warm, bright fire on a crisp autumn night.

Unfortunately, every year at least 12,000 people are killed in residential fires in the United Sates, according to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association. Some of those fires are caused by fireplaces and woodburning stoves. Understanding and practicing the following safety tips will help keep those hearth fires glowing in a safe, controlled manner.

Placing a shield around the fireplace is the easiest way to prevent sparks catching fire. Glass grates that entirely enclose the fireplace are the most effective. Wire mesh grates aren't as impenetrable but are still effective against most of the sparks. The fireplace should draw properly so smoke is not blown back into the living area.

In case ash, sparks or smoke do fly out, make sure the area around the fireplace isn't carpeted. A non-combustible hearth, such as brick or linoleum, is the best floor covering next to the fireplace.

Cleaning the fireplace regularly can also guard against fires. Ash or creosote buildup in the flue can catch fire if the buildup has accumulated over a period of time and the fire temperature is hot. Creosote can be eliminated by maintaining a big, hot fire instead of small, smoky or wet fires that lead to creosote build up. Hire a chimney sweep or clean the chimney flue and damps once a year with a big brush.

The type of wood selected depends upon the type of fire desired. Most people with fireplaces long for nice, bright flames, since they are choosing a fireplace for aesthetic reasons, instead of for heat. Cottonwood, maple or elm are best for aesthetic fires. Harder, heavier woods such as oak and ash are best for heat fires.

Another area of concern with fire safety awareness is the management of woodburning stoves or heaters. Many fires from stoves are started when the residents are away or have gone to sleep. To guard against this, adjust the air intake vents before going to bed or leaving the house. Woodburning stoves should never be left alone unless the heater can be prepared for an amount of unsupervised time.

As with fireplaces, woodburning heaters and stove pipes should be regularly checked to guard against soot and creosote buildup. Slow-burning fires are more likely to create these deposits. Turn off the heater to clean and take the opportunity to make sure that there are no other problems developing.

Take time to check your furnace or woodburning stove before the cold weather arrives. If you are not able to do this yourself, professional chimney cleaners can be hired to do this job.

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