If you have a
fireplace in your home you are probably already aware that proper maintenance
and usage are essential to safety. There
are some “hidden” dangers when using your fireplace that most people do not
know about. Before you light that fireplace next winter these are some things
that you definitely need to know.
A fireplace is NOT a furnace. A good rule of thumb is never to use your
fireplace for more than 5 hours at a time. Even though it may be well
maintained and properly vented most of today’s fireplaces simply are not
intended for unlimited use.
It is important to keep the glass doors in the
front of your fireplace open when it is in use. This allows for the proper ventilation of
smoke and fumes into the chimney and not the room. Also be sure to use the
screen. It’s there to help prevent sparks from igniting carpets or other
flammable material in the room. Not using the proper fireplace screen is extremely
dangerous. If you have carpet it’s a good idea to buy a nonflammable rug for
use in front of the fireplace. They are available at most stores that sell
fireplace supplies.
NEVER leave a fireplace burning when children
are present without adult supervision. It’s also a good idea to not allow children within a certain distance
of the fireplace when it is in use. I suggest a minimum of 5 feet. Clothing
burns and children do have a tendency to slip while playing and remember; a
fireplace can remain hot for hours after the flame has been extinguished.
Always use the proper tools when handling fireplace
logs. They may be extremely
hot even when they look cool. This is
one of the most common injuries suffered by unaware homeowners.
When cleaning the glass doors be sure to use
only cleaners approved for this purpose. Many “regular” cleaners may be flammable or even explosive when
exposed to great heat.
Here’s a fact that I’ll bet you didn’t know. Fireplace coals can remain hot for an amazing
3 days. Yes, I said 3 days. That means you NEVER empty the ashes until at least 72
hours after the fire has been extinguished. This is by far the biggest mistake
that homeowners make when cleaning their fireplace. Be sure to open the damper and
a window in the same room before removing the ashes. This will prevent any airborne ashes from
entering the room instead of going up the chimney. Store the ashes in a metal
container away from anything that is combustible.
Make sure that a chimney cap is installed and
working properly before using the fireplace. Bird and animal nests or any blockage of the chimney will cause
carbon monoxide to enter the home and you already know how dangerous that is. It’s
also necessary to use a spark arrestor to ensure that hot sparks don’t exit the
chimney and start a fire on your roof or yard or even someone else’s property.
Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean up ashes. They may be just hot enough to cause a fire
in the vacuum cleaner itself.
Know the proper way to light a fire. Be sure that the damper is open before attempting to
start the fire and regardless of the weather outside a window also needs to be
open just a few inches. This will force the smoke and ashes from the fire into
the chimney where they belong. A good trick is to light a match first and see
where the smoke goes when you blow it out. If it doesn’t go directly up the
chimney do NOT attempt to light the fireplace until you have resolved the
problem.
During the months that you use your fireplace it is
important to clean it at least weekly if you use it frequently. Too many old ashes and small unburned chips and
pieces of wood or kindling may produce sparks and could present a serious fire
hazard. In short, a clean fireplace is a safe fireplace.
Finally, it is extremely important that you have your
chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. Most chimney sweeps (yes, they’re still called
that!) recommend an inspection and cleaning at least once a year or
approximately every 80 fires.
I’m a firm believer in
safety first, especially where fire is concerned. Please follow these rules
closely so that you may safely enjoy your fireplace for many years to
come.
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