Keep Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean
-
Have your chimney or wood
stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist
-
Clear area around the
hearth of debris, decorations, flammable and combustible materials. Keep
at least 3 feet of clearance.
-
Always use a metal mesh
screen with fireplaces. Leave glass door open while burning.
-
Install stovepipe
thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.
-
Keep air inlets on wood
stoves open, and never restrict air supply to fireplaces. This may cause
creosote buildup and a chimney fire.
-
Use fire-resistant
materials on walls around wood stoves.
Safely Burn Fuels
-
Never use flammable liquids
to start a fire.
-
Use only seasoned hardwood.
Soft, moist wood accelerates creosote buildup.
-
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 House
-
Stack firewood outdoors at
least 30 feet from your house.
-
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.
|
