Check Fireplace For Safety

If you have a fireplace, there's a good chance you haven't used it much since temperatures so far this winter have been above normal. Before you light up those logs on a cold evening, you should check your fireplace for safety.

An annual inspection by a reputable chimney sweep is recommended to avoid possible chimney fires. A roaring fire can ignite tar and creosote that have built up in the chimney. Some insurance companies will provide homeowners a financial incentive to get an inspection.

To inspect it yourself, take the cap off the top of the chimney and either shine a flashlight down the chimney or drop a light bulb on the end of an electric cord down the chimney to inspect the tile for cracks and for tar and creosote buildup. If there is a pipe from a fireplace insert in the chimney, check it for rust and creosote buildup.

If there is a problem with buildup, clean the tile or pipe with a brush designed for that purpose, then reinspect to make sure you didn’t cause additional damage.

It's also a good idea to make sure smoke detectors are in working order and that flammable objects are moved at least three feet from a fireplace.

Other tips for fireplace safety:

• If your fireplace is not equipped with a gas starter, use kindling wood. Newspaper shouldn’t be used because the flaming paper can rise and ignite a chimney if it has creosote buildup.
• Make sure you start the fire and finish the fire with hot, dry wood to help eliminate residue buildup in the chimney.
• Burn only seasoned firewood. The wood should be cut and stacked for use the following year. It will burn hotter and cause less residue buildup in your chimney.
• Keep the top of chimneys clear of tree limbs or debris.
• Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of the chimney.
• Always open the damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. This will avert the build-up of poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide.
• Do not overload the fireplace. Large fires can lead to overheating of wall or roof materials, particularly if the fireplace is constructed of metal.
• Always use a screen around the fireplace to keep sparks from flying out and to protect children and adults from accidental clothing ignition.