As the holiday approaches, the cold hits South Arkansas, and there's nothing quite like a warm, crackling fireplace to add comfort and ambiance to your home. But while fireplaces bring warmth and charm, they also come with their share of safety risks if improperly maintained. Without regular care, fireplaces can create a fire hazard for your family and home.
Restore-It has seen the severe consequences of neglected fireplaces as an IICRC-certified firm with over 50 years of combined experience in fire damage restoration. We understand what it takes to keep your home safe. Our team brings unique insights from handling fire-related damage across South Arkansas, and we know how a few proactive steps can make all the difference in preventing accidents.
In this article, we'll provide practical, actionable tips for keeping your fireplace safe. From simple maintenance to everyday fire safety practices, you'll learn how to make the most of your fireplace while protecting what matters most.
Top 5 tips for fireplace safety this holiday
According to a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) report, around 2300 residential building fires were reported from 2017 to 2019 on Thanksgiving Day. While most were caused by cooking (73.5%), heating was the second most important cause (7.7%). To prevent a fire incident, here is what you need to do:
Schedule routine inspections and cleaning
Prevention is the key to fire safety. By scheduling annual inspections and cleaning, you can prevent one of the leading causes of fireplace fires: creosote. This highly flammable byproduct of woodburning can accumulate on your chimney over time, reducing airflow, trapping smoke, and creating a fire risk.
Why inspect and clean?
Regular maintenance ensures your chimney is clear of creosote, soot, nests, leaves, or other obstructions. Professional chimney sweeps are trained to spot these risks and can remove buildup effectively, giving you a safer and more efficient burn. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends an inspection and cleaning at least once a year or more often if you use your fireplace heavily.
DIY or Professional?
While you can handle small maintenance tasks, a professional chimney inspection should be done annually. Certified professionals have the tools and knowledge to clean your chimney without spreading creosote dust into your home.
Ensure proper ventilation
When firing up a chimney, allowing airflow for a healthy, smoke-free fire is vital. A well-ventilated fireplace reduces the risk of smoke indoors, improves air quality, and ensures a cleaner burn. Here's how you can maintain good ventilation:
Keep the damper open
Usually made of iron or steel, a damper is a window inside your chimney that lets air from above enter when it's open and prevents indoor air from escaping when shut. It should always be fully open before lighting a fire.
Check for blockages
Before you light a fire, check for obstructions in the chimney. Some animals sometimes build nests, restricting airflow and leading to fire hazards. If your chimney cap is damaged, replace it to keep animals and debris out.
Maintain safe practices with your fireplace
Establishing safe habits during each use goes a long way in preventing future problems. These practices ensure your home stays smoke-free and comfortable:
Keep all flammable materials away
While you may want the perfect holiday ambiance, keeping the fire away from your decorations and other items like blankets, paper, and rugs is the key to preventing a fire. Your chimney won't look like a Hallmark card, but at least it will be safe.
Watch the fire and keep a fire extinguisher at hand
A roaring fire can be a problem if it gets out of control. While keeping an eye on it at all times can help you prevent accidents (particularly if you have children), having a fire extinguisher is also recommended.
Invest in a fireplace screen
All you need is a tiny spark for a fire to start in your home. If you have children or pets around, you are more likely to be distracted from watching the fire. To prevent this, you can buy a fireplace screen to cover the chimney, letting the heat and light out while preventing rogue embers from escaping. You can easily find them in local hardware stores for around 40 to 70 dollars.
Only burn seasoned wood
Unseasoned or green wood contains moisture, increasing creosote buildup in the chimney. Stick to burning seasoned wood for a cleaner fire.
Maintain your carbon monoxide detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever wood is burned, and it can be lethal if it accumulates in a home. The main problem is that it is both odorless and colorless, making it impossible to detect without a specialized detector.
Install CO detectors nearby
Put the carbon monoxide detectors close to your fireplace and check them regularly. Test them each season and replace batteries once a year.
Avoid overloading your fireplace
Too much wood or burning materials in the fireplace will produce excess smoke, which can lead to incomplete combustion and raise CO levels. To avoid this risk, keep the fire at a manageable size.
Wrap-up for the end of the season
Once the cold season ends, it's important to do a fireplace wrap-up to prepare for the warmer months and ensure your fireplace is ready for the next season.
Clear out ashes and debris
Remove all ashes and clean the firebox at the end of the season. Besides being a fire hazard, leftover ashes can draw moisture and create a musty smell in the warmer months. So give your fireplace a good cleaning to keep it fresh!
Close the damper when not in use
After you've cleaned up, make sure to close the damper. This will prevent outside air entering your home and keep pests from using your chimney as a nest.
Fireplaces are cherished in South Arkansas homes but require care. Now that we have taught you all these tips to keep your fireplace safe, you are prepared to safeguard your home and your family. Please contact us if you ever need help with fire damage or restoration services. Keep the warmth and lose the worry—Restore-It is here to help make your home as safe as it is cozy.
Topics:
