Fireplace Safety & Tips

Below is a list of general rules and safety tips to live by when dealing with your fireplace. By following these tips you will make your home a safer place for you and your family.

  • Make sure the chimney damper is open to let smoke escape.
  • Remove all combustible material, such as baskets, decorations, kindling, firewood, etc., from the vicinity of your fireplace or wood stove, keeping all such items at least 36" away.
  • Use a fireplace screen that is large enough to cover the fireplace opening for spark protection completely. A fireplace screen will also help to keep children and pets safely away from the fire.
  • Use a heavy-duty grate, and stack the fire to avoid logs rolling out of the fireplace during burning use.
  • Have fireproof gloves, a tool set, and a covered ash bucket on the hearth ready for use.
  • Never use gas or flammable materials to "freshen up" a fire.
  • Test your smoke detectors, and install fresh batteries.
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector in public areas on each floor of your home, such as hallways.
  • Never burn colored paper such as magazines or wrapping paper.
  • Don't burn plastics
  • Never burn painted, stained, or treated wood - the fumes are poisonous!
  • Don't use your fireplace as an incinerator to burn pizza boxes, Christmas trees, or stacks of paper or cardboard.
  • Don't leave the fireplace unattended while wood is burning.
  • Keep the top of your woodpile covered; wet wood is harder to light, creates more smoke, and makes your chimney dirty!

Contact Us Today

If you're in need of fireplace or chimney service or repair, the family team at Chimney Cricket is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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