Fireplaces

Fireplaces and wood burning stoves can be found in homes across the country. Some of which are decorative, but others serve as the primary heating source throughout the winter. In fact, more than one-third of homes in the United States use a fireplace, wood stove, or other fuel fired appliance as the primary source of winter heat. The majority of these household tend to be in rural areas. Unfortunately, 38% of home fires in rural area are a result of an accident related to a heating fire.

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There are several causes of heating fires, some of which are purely accidental. The remaining fires, in large part, could have been prevented by annual maintenance or by taking other precautions while the wood burning appliance is in use.

Prior to the heating season, as a homeowner there are several things which need to be done prior to using your fireplace.

1. Have your chimney inspected annually by a certified professional, ensuring it is clear of structural defect, obstructions, excessive creosote build-up. The chimney may require sweeping if this has not been done recently or if you typically use soft woods such as pine to heat your home
2. If your chimney does not have a cap currently installed, while the chimney is being inspected authorize the installation. A cap will prevent debris and animals from entering from the top of the chimney and into your home. The cap will also provide a means of spark arrest, which will minimize the possibility of sparks or hot ash from exiting the chimney and catching fire to your roof or surrounding areas
3. Be sure that your roof and gutters are clear of all debris which may catch fire if sparks or debris were to exit the chimney.
4. Completely clear the firebox of all ash and coals, remaining from the previous heating season.
5. Install both carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in your home, if they are installed replace the batteries on an annual basis.
6. Provide a fire extinguisher within reach of your fireplace or wood stove in the event of an uncontrolled fire.
7. Confirm all furniture and other flammable objects which may have been placed near the fireplace throughout the summer is rearranged away from the fireplace.

Taking these seven steps above will provide you peace of mind throughout the heating season. Wood burning fireplace inserts installed in conventional fireplaces will follow the same procedure. Ventless gas designs will not require any of the steps taken with respect to the chimney, but present other dangers you will need to mitigate. No matter the type of fireplace you have in your home; an electric or wood insert, ventless or contemporary, by using this checklist and sound reasoning you will enjoy it throughout the winter.