Annual Inspect Your Fireplace to Avoid Fires

11/17/2022 (Permalink)

The end of daylight savings time brings darkness earlier and colder days, which causes many of us to stoke up the fire when we get home for some warm, comfy evenings watching television or reading on the couch.  Unfortunately, this also brings with it an increase in the number of fires associated with fireplaces and wood burning stoves.  Sometimes there is no way to avoid a fire involving a fireplace, but often there are steps we can take to reduce the risk and even prevent a fire from taking place.

First and most importantly, schedule an annual inspection and cleaning of your chimney and fireplace by a professionally trained chimney sweep.  The layer of residue that is left after you burn in your fireplace or stove builds up and can catch fire.  A professional will clean the inside of your unit, as well as the chimney, to rid the area of harmful residue.  This will also help your fireplace to work more efficiently.

Also, make sure you are only burning dry, properly seasoned firewood.  And do not burn anything besides wood in your fireplace – no garbage or miscellaneous items. 

Burn your fire as hot as possible, which doesn’t allow creosote to build up on the walls inside of the chimney.  Creosote can get thick and take on a glazy texture which catches fire very easily.  If you keep your fire burning at a high temperature, creosote is less likely to develop.

Fireplaces can be a place of comfort and warmth during cold winter months and proper maintenance and care makes them a perfect alternative to electric heat.