With freezing temperatures and a chance for flurries in the forecast, homeowners over the weekend might be lighting their fireplaces for the first time since last winter. Here are some tips for keeping them safe and avoiding disaster:
• Open the chimney damper all the way.
• Don’t restrict the air supply by closing the glass doors.
• Place fire starter or kindling under the grate and two or three dry logs on the fire.
• Make sure the smoke rises in the chimney flue.
• If using a natural gas log starter, leave it on only to start the fire, then turn off the gas.
• Do not use flammable liquids or an excessive amount of paper to start a fire.
• When using a manufactured log, burn only one log at a time and do not add regular wood. Manufactured logs burn as hot as eight pieces of normal wood.
• Burn seasoned wood. Burning wet, unseasoned wood will result in more creosote build up and increase the chance of fire.
• Don’t overload the fire box.
• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace. Close the screen to keep embers from combustibles.
• Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home.
• Never close a damper with hot ashes in the fireplace.
• Put the ashes in a metal container with a lid. Keep it outside at least three feet from your house.
Sources: Libertyville fire department; U.S. Fire Administration.