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 More
than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood
stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary
heat sources in their homes.
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the
fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels.
Heating fires account for 36% of residential home
fires in rural areas every year. Often these fires
are due to creosote buildup in chimneys and
stovepipes. All home heating systems require regular
maintenance to function safely and efficiently.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA)
encourages you to practice the following fire safety
steps to keep those home fires safely burning.
Remember, fire safety is your personal
responsibility ...Fire Stops With You!
Keep Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean
- Have your chimney or wood stove inspected
and cleaned annually by a certified chimney
specialist.
- Clear the area around the hearth of debris,
decorations and flammable materials.
- Always use a metal mesh screen with
fireplaces.
- Leave glass doors open while burning a fire.
- Install stovepipe thermometers to help
monitor flue temperatures.
- Keep air inlets on wood stoves open, and
never restrict air supply to fireplaces.
Otherwise you may cause creosote buildup that
could lead to a chimney fire.
- Use fire-resistant materials on walls around
wood stoves.
Safely Burn Fuels
- Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
- Use only seasoned hardwood. Soft, moist wood
accelerates creosote buildup.
- Build small fires that burn completely and
produce less smoke.
- Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris
in your fireplace or wood stove.
- When building a fire, place logs at the rear
of the fireplace on an adequate supporting
grate.
- Never leave a fire in the fireplace
unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to
bed or leaving the house.
- Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a
metal container outside your home.
Protect the Outside of Your Home
- Stack firewood outdoors at least 30 feet
away from your home.
- Keep the roof clear of leaves, pine needles
and other debris.
- Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark
arrester.
- Remove branches hanging above the chimney,
flues or vents.
Protect the Inside of Your Home
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your
home.
- Test them monthly and change the batteries
at least once a year. Consider installing the
new long life smoke alarms.
- Provide proper venting systems for all
heating equipment.
- Extend all vent pipes at least three feet
above the roof.
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