Fireplace Safety Tips for Milwaukee Area Homeowners

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

According to the latest statistics available, there are over 25,000 Chimney Fires per year in the US that are responsible for over 125 million dollars

It’s getting to be that time of year again where the nights are getting colder and people will begin to use their fireplaces to help heat their homes.  Fireplaces are fun and safe, but if not used or maintained properly, they could cause a fire.  By following some basic safety tips, you can enjoy your fireplace all season long.

Make sure you have all the proper equipment in place.  This should include a fireplace screen, fireplace tools such as a poker, shovel, tongs, and possibly heat resistant gloves.  There should be a metal bucket or container nearby for ash removal.

To enjoy an evening by the fire, follow these simple operating instructions:  Open the chimney damper all the way.  Place the fire starter or kindling under the grate and place two to three dry logs on the grate.  After lighting the fire, make sure that the smoke rises up the chimney flue.  If you are using a natural gas log starter, make sure you only leave it on to start the fire then shut off the gas.

Finally, here are some basic safety tips for all fireplace users:  At the beginning of each year, make sure to have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep.  When burning wood, it should be dry seasoned wood.  Burning wet, unseasoned wood will cause more creosote build-up in the chimney which could increase your chance for a chimney fire.  Never use flammable liquids or an excessive amount of paper to start a fire in your fireplace.  When using a manufactured log, burn only one log at a time and never add regular firewood to the fire.  These logs burn as hot as eight pieces of normal wood, and adding anything to them will increase the chance of a chimney fire.  Never close a damper with hot ashes in the fireplace.  This can cause a heat buildup which can cause a fire to flare up.  Hot coals can be located in ashes for up to 72 hours after a fire.  All of the coals and ashes should be cool prior to removing them.  Once you remove them, place them in a sealed metal container; never dispose of them in a trash can.

In the event you sustain damage from a fireplace mishap, please don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North at 414-354-7566 for help.