Fireplace and Home Fire Safety

When we think of winter, we often think of holiday parties, festive decorations, and glowing fireplaces. What we may not realize is that December, January, and February are the leading months for home fires and home fire deaths in the U.S.  On average, more than one-third of U.S. home fire deaths occur during the winter months.

Solid fuel burning appliances are enjoying widespread popularity.  In addition to the savings in fuel costs, some have been installed for the “cozy feel” they add to a home.  Although these units may save fuel and add charm, they have become the largest source of heating-related fires in U.S. homes today.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), solid fuel burning appliances cause approximately 5-10% of all residential home fires.  In addition, solid fuel burning appliances cause an average of over 300 deaths and 200 injuries per year.  Some of the major causes of solid fuel burning appliance related fires are inadequate clearances from the unit to combustibles such as walls, ceilings, floors and furniture; excessive creosote (a black substance resembling a tar-like liquid or small black flakes that burns easily) buildup in the chimney due to  inadequate chimney cleaning; an improperly installed or poorly maintained chimney;  fueling errors involving liquid- or gas-fueled heaters; and flaws in the design, installation or use of heating appliance itself.

            Heating with solid fuel requires that you become aware of these and other hazards and take the necessary action to correct them.  “The good news is that most of these fires are preventable.  It’s simply a matter of being aware that these hazards exist, and taking the few steps necessary to avoid them,” says Public Educator Lt. Jay Caron of the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District’s Fire Prevention Bureau.  “Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility... Fire Stops With You!”

KEEP FIREPLACES & WOOD STOVES CLEAN

§         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.

§         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.

SAFELY BURN FUELS

§         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.

PROTECT THE OUTSIDE OF 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.

PROTECT THE INSIDE OF YOUR HOME

§         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.

§         Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to monitor the levels of this colorless, odorless, but deadly gas.

§         If you use space or portable heaters, keep anything that can burn, including people, pets and furniture, at least three feet away.

§         Provide proper venting systems for all heating equipment.

§         Extend all vent pipes at least three feet above the roof.

For more information about Home Fire Safety during the winter season, contact the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District Fire Prevention Bureau at (630) 353-3030.