My family loves to build fires in the fireplace during the fall and winter. What are some things that you can do to to prevent your home from catching on fire? please help!
I doubt if you will set my house on fire from wherever you are – but grammar aside….
a) Use a fireplace screen (link below) or glass doors as a start. This will prevent sparks from jumping into the room and possibly starting fires.
b) Make sure that the flue (chimney) is clear and unobstructed and has been cleaned recently – a flue may look clear but creosote build-up lead to a flue-fire – very hot, very dangerous.
c) Make sure that the damper (if equipped) is open.
d) Use dry, seasoned wood. Try to avoid evergreen wood as it is rich in creosote and can lead to build-up.
e) Try to avoid birch as it is a known ‘sparker’.
f) Use a grate to hold the logs above the based of the fireplace (link below). This will help with the burn and reduce ash.
Then, use common sense. Keep flammables away from the hearth, keep pets and children away from the flames, stack your fuel away from the fire and so forth.
But the two best things you can do is use a screen/door and grate.
