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From
the US Fire Administration
More
than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired
appliances as primary heat sources in their homes. Unfortunately, many
people are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid
fuels.
Heating
fires account for 36% of residential home fires in rural areas every year.
Often these fires are due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes.
All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely
and efficiently.
The
United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to practice the
following fire safety steps to keep those home fires safely burning. Remember,
fire safety is your personal responsibility ...Fire Stops With You!
•
Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified
chimney specialist.
• Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable
materials.
• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces. Leave glass doors
open while burning a fire.
• Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.
• Keep air inlets on wood stoves open, and never restrict air supply
to fireplaces. Otherwise you may cause creosote buildup that could lead
to a chimney fire.
• Use fire-resistant materials on walls around wood stoves.
•
Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Use only seasoned hardwood. Soft, moist wood accelerates creosote
buildup.
• Build small fires that burn completely and produce less smoke.
• 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.
•
Stack firewood outdoors at least 30 feet away from your home.
• 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.
•
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and
change the batteries at least once a year. Consider installing the new
long life smoke alarms.
• Provide proper venting systems for all heating equipment.
• Extend all vent pipes at least three feet above the roof.
The United States Fire Administration
Office of Fire Management Programs
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
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