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Keeping Your FirePlace Safe
By Tony Lee
Although I'm going to miss the summer season, I have come to the realization that winter is just around the corner. With the cold season arriving, it brings on the excitement of snow skiing, snow boarding and watching the snow fall from a warm chalet in the Sierra Nevada ski resorts. During the summer, I spent some time in my backyard cutting down some unwanted trees and bushes, and storing the wood like a squirrel stores nuts for the winter. Since I won't be able to enjoy the summer weather for quite a while, I thought I'd get my fire wood ready for those chilly nights here in California. My home fireplace is like a recreational thing for me. I love to sit in the living room with a nice warm fire and watch TV or listen to music. My plans actually began in summer, because having a safe fireplace begins with an inspection from the local chimney sweep. Here are some tips to ensure that your winter fire is a safe one, and might even save you some money. If you think your fireplace needs to be looked at, call a chimney sweep professional. If you’re like me, you use it quite frequently and it will get dirty. I get mine inspected and cleaned every year. The best way to find a sweep in your area is to go to the chimney sweep certification site at: www.csia.org. This site lists companies who have been established as the hallmark of excellence among chimney and venting service professionals. You simply type in your zip code and locate one in your area. I highly recommend finding one using this site. Having a technician come to your house in the summer months can same you save you money. Business is slower and they normally offer lower prices. I've found the difference between summer and winter prices can be as much as $60 here in California. Make sure your technician conducts a cleaning andinspection, there is a difference. There are two basic styles of home built fireplaces, one with an insert and one without. This will depend on the age and builder of your home, and the technician can explain to you over the phone which one you have. After a good servicing, now it's time to set a few rules to have a safe and enjoyable winter in your home. Burning Materials
Never burn anything else other than wood in your home fireplace. Using BBQ charcoals or anything else other than wood in your fireplace can be deadly. Although it's great for your summer BBQs, it's a no-no inside the home. Charcoal creates carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that can kill you. Screens and Doors
Have a serviceable screen or glass door in place to protect against sparks from jumping out of the fireplace. If your screen won't close completely, it's time for a replacement.
Never leave a fire going unattended with the screen open. Fire Extinguishers
Have a fire extinguisher available in case of an emergency.
I keep a Class ABC extinguisher just outside the entrance to the garage mounted on the wall and 20 feet from the fireplace. I simply have to open the door and grab it in case I ever need it. Although this is a safety precaution, any large fire should be handled by exiting your house immediately and calling the fire department from a neighbor’s phone. Smoke Detectors
Keep your smoke detectors up to date with fresh batteries and replace the smoke detector unit every ten years. This is your first line of defense when you’re in another room and the fireplace is going. As a rule, replace batteries each daylight savings time: Change your clocks twice a year, change your batteries as well!
Keep It Free of flammable Materials
A fireplace and mantle can be a gathering place for newspapers and other flammable materials, especially during the summer. Make sure the area is clean both around and on top of the fireplace before starting a fire. You will most likely be using it a lot during the holidays. Don't operate your fireplace with holiday decorations dangling around it.
Remove them first, as you can always replace them when the fire is out. Christmas trees should be located in the room opposite the fireplace. If possible, set up your tree another room. More home fires are started each holiday season from trees and decorations than anything else. Don't be a statistic! Retiring for the Evening
Always make sure your fire is completely out before going to bed! Never leave a smoldering fireplace unattended until morning. If need be, pour water on any hot coals left inside. It’s best to plan on starting your fire early, so that it's almost out when it's time to go night-night. Leaving a smoldering fire in your home while your sleeping is a risk you shouldn't take. A warm winter fire is priceless. It warms the house, saves on the utility bill and enhances the holiday spirit. But making it a safe one should always be your priority!
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This intel was contributed by Tony Lee
Tony Lee
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May, 2012
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