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Photo courtesy of FireplaceVillage
© Annamaria Szilagyi
© CarpathianPrince
Photo courtesy of FireplaceVillage
Photo courtesy of FireplaceVillage
© Boris Ryaposov
Photo courtesy of FireplaceVillage
Photo courtesy of FireplaceVillage
Photo courtesy of FireplaceVillage
© Dana Nelson, Spark Modern Fires
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10 steps to keep home fires burning safely
By John Roach of SwitchYard Media
Fireplaces and chimneys cause an average of more than 25,000 house fires each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (PDF). To help keep your home fires burning safely, follow these 10 steps.
Make a clean sweep
Have your chimney swept and inspected once a year. A leading cause of chimney fires is creosote, the flammable residue that condenses and builds up inside the chimney's flue.
When you sweep or have a professional do it, check for cracks, loose bricks and missing mortar in the chimney. You or a professional also should inspect flue liners for cracking or deterioration.
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Up on the roof
Clean up around the chimney, too. Make sure that tree limbs haven't grown too close to the chimney top, for example, and that the roof is clear of needles and leaves that could catch fire should a spark escape, the U.S. Fire Administration advises.
Look for nests in and around the chimney, too. Birds, squirrels, raccoons and other rooftop denizens often reside there during the summer, which creates a fire hazard in the cooler months.
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The big screens
Put a mesh screen, called a spark arrester, on top of the chimney to prevent sparks from escaping. Many experts also recommend installing a chimney cap to limit water damage, keep nesting animals away and stop debris from blocking the chimney and causing carbon monoxide to flow into the house.
Inside the home, use a fire screen to help keep those logs crackling away inside the safety of the fireplace.
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Damper danger
Make sure the damper closes tightly. The damper is a moveable cover that allows you to close the chimney from the fireplace. Its primary role is to prevent cold air from moving down into a house when a fire is not burning. If the damper is loose, it won't seal tightly, and cold air can seep into the house.
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Keep it clean
Clean out the firebox. During fire season, experts recommend cleaning out the fireplace once a week. But when you're shoveling all those ashes, leave about an inch behind. Ash works as an insulator that helps retain heat longer.
When cleaning out the fireplace, open the damper so airborne ash will go up the chimney. Also, resist the temptation to use a vacuum cleaner unless you are sure that the coals are completely cold. Coals can stay hot enough to ignite a fire for several days, and hot coals in a vacuum cleaner are a recipe for disaster.
When the fireplace is not in use, clean it out completely.
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Better wood, better fire
Some woods burn better than others, and experts agree that hardwoods such as oak and hickory that have been left to dry, or season, for at least six months are superior to soft woods, such as pine and spruce. Soft woods emit less heat and release sap that can build up in the chimney and cause a fire.
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Roll out the right rug
Put down a nonflammable hearth rug. These floor coverings will add more than just an accent to the living room; they may keep the house from catching fire. For example, if a spark shoots through the fireplace screen and hits the floor, the rug will prevent the carpet from melting and the wood floor underneath from catching fire.
While you're at the store selecting a rug, pick up a few fire extinguishers and batteries for the smoke detectors that, hopefully, you have installed on each floor of your home.
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Look for leaks
If you have a gas fireplace, thoroughly check its venting system for clogs before using it for the first time each season. Always be on the lookout for gas leaks, too. If a leak occurs, turn off the main gas supply and call the gas company immediately for help. Other things to look for include wear or corrosion on the unit, a sign that parts need replacement to keep the fireplace working.
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Fix the fakes
Gas fireplaces come with fake logs, but these logs still break. Watch for logs that split because of wear and tear. If a log breaks, turn off the gas to the fireplace, let it cool down and replace the broken log. Note that replacement logs come in all shapes and sizes, so select the appropriate fit and make sure all gas-line connections to the new log are secure before turning on the fire.
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Stay pretty
Keep the fireplace polished, swept and shiny. Fireplaces may be an inefficient way to heat a home, but it sure is nice to look at a pile of burning logs.
To keep that warm and happy feeling alive while gazing at the flames, keep any glass panes washed — regular window cleaner works just fine — the hearth swept, the mantel dusted and brass fixtures polished.
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