From the Chief
Fire Chief Roger Smith
With the coming of cooler weather, many residents will begin to use their fireplaces and furnaces to keep warm.
More than one-third of households use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as their primary heat source in their homes. Many are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood or solid fuels.
This is the time of year to clean your fireplaces and follow these safety tips to keep those home fires burning safely.
Before the start of every heating season, have your chimney inspected by a professional for proper installation, cracks, blockages, leaks, or creosote build-up. Creosote is a chemical substance that forms when wood burns and accumulates in chimneys. If allowed to build up it can cause a chimney fire if not removed.
Chimney Fire Safety
Ø Have your chimney cleaned if necessary and be sure to open the flue for adequate ventilation when using the fireplace.
Ø Always use a fire screen and burn only materials appropriate for fireplaces, such as seasoned hardwood.
Ø If using manufactured fire logs, read and follow the directions on the package. Never break the logs or use more than one log at a time.
Ø Never burn trash or paper in a fireplace. Burning paper can float up your chimney and land on your roof or in your yard.
Ø Add wood to fireplaces carefully; sparks can fly into the room while the screen is open.
Ø Remove ashes from the grate by placing them in a metal container.
Ø Keep firewood stacked outdoors and away from your home.
Ø Bring in only as much wood as you need for one evening.
Ø Make sure you have a mesh screen spark arrester covering your chimney to prevent hot ember from landing on your roof or on your neighbor’s roof.
Ø Always remove branches hanging above the chimney.
Other Heating Safety Tips
· Have your furnace checked and cleaned regularly by a qualified repairperson.
· Check to be sure all furnace automatic controls and emergency shutoffs are in good working condition.
· Keep space heaters at least three feet (1meter) away from furniture, bedding, walls, clothing and other things that can burn.
