S’mores indoors. Inviting seasonal decor illuminated by a cozy glow. Getting wrapped up in a good book – and radiant warmth. Family movie night in a fireside blaze. Card games with friends with popping logs as a background track.
These are all great ways to enjoy your fireplace. …but there are also plenty of ways not to use your fireplace. And misusing it could turn a relaxing evening into a dangerous situation. In nearly four decades in the industry, we’ve seen a lot, and we’re committed to prevention and fire safety as a cornerstone of our business. With that in mind, here are some ways not to use a fireplace…
Do NOT Burn Wet Wood
You wouldn’t try to fuel a fire with straight up water, but if your firewood is damp or green (newly cut) that’s kind of what you’re doing. Wood contains moisture, and your wood needs to cure before it’s suitable for burning in your fireplace. Not only will wood that’s not dry be harder to start, it’ll produce less heat and create excess smoke that can stain your chimney and lead to dangerous creosote buildup in your chimney.
Instead: Use wood that’s been dried for at least six months. Look for logs that are lighter in color, have visible cracks, and sound hollow when tapped. Your fire – and chimney – will thank you!
Do NOT Throw Trash in Your Fireplace
Another item that shouldn’t make its way into a fireplace is trash of any sort. Tossing in a bit here and there might seem like an efficient way to dispose of it, but this is a mistake. Burning plastics, colored paper, treated wood, or any number of other items can release toxic fumes, cause a fire to burn too hot or erratically, or lead to hazardous chemical reactions. It can also contribute to a chimney fire.
Instead: This one’s simple – for the sake of your lungs and your fireplace, only burn seasoned wood in a wood-burning appliance. Dispose of trash responsibly through local waste management service.
Do NOT Overload the Firebox
More wood = more heat, right? Actually, overstuffing your firebox can starve your fire of oxygen, leading to a less efficient and smokier fire. Another issue? It can cause logs to roll out of the firebox, which you clearly don’t want!
Instead: Follow the “less is more” principle. Use just enough wood to create a strong, controlled fire, and feed it throughout the duration of use to sustain it as long as desired. Allow enough space for air to circulate – and keep an eye on your flames.
Do NOT Use Accelerants
You might be in a hurry to get the evening started, but this is one risky shortcut. Accelerants burn hotter than regular wood, and they can also cause explosive reactions – definitely not something you want to introduce into your living space.
Instead: Stick to faithful standbys for fire starters, such as kindling or commercially available fire starters designed for use in fireplaces. This will help get your fire going without risking your safety – or your eyebrows!
Do NOT Skip Inspections & Maintenance
Times are tight – we totally get it. But would you drive your car without ever changing the oil? Along similar lines, using a fireplace without annual inspections and regular maintenance can lead to inconvenient, risky, and expensive consequences. It’s just not worth it.
Instead: Schedule an annual chimney inspection with a CSIA certified chimney sweep to ensure your chimney remains clear of obstructions and in good working order. This small investment can save you major headaches – and expenses – down the road.
Do NOT Ignore Problems
Strange noises, masonry cracks, smoke escaping where it shouldn’t – ignoring signs of a problem isn’t a good idea. Chimneys are resilient and durable, but sometimes they need attention. Neglected issues won’t simply go away on their own, and can lead to dangerous situations.
Instead: Take a deep breath, face the issue, and take a proactive approach. If something seems out of the ordinary, get it checked out immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when fire is involved.
Do NOT Leave the Fire Unattended
Stepping out to run to the store, turning in for the night… Leaving a fireplace fire for a while might not seem like a big deal, but fires can quickly get out of control – and the risks are amplified if pets or small children are around.
Instead: If you need to leave the room, ensure the fire is completely out or monitored by an adult who can manage it.
Do NOT Neglect the Smoke Detectors
Neglecting smoke detectors is akin to boating without a life jacket. Most likely, nothing will happen…but in the occasion that it’s needed, that life-preserving measure is absolutely irreplaceable. Smoke detectors give you an essential early warning, so keeping them ready is imperative.
Instead: Install smoke detectors in key areas, test them monthly, and change the batteries at least annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Do NOT Ignore Proper Clearances
No, we’re not talking about end-of-season sales. We’re talking about the area surrounding your fireplaces that should be clear of anything combustible. Ignoring clearances can put your home at risk, and no decor or stylish furniture placement is worth that!
Instead: Keep at least three feet around your fireplace free of furniture, curtains, books, garlands, and anything else flammable or combustible.
Questions? We Can Help
Using your fireplace should be a delightful experience, not a risky one. Avoiding misuses like these can keep that welcome ambiance without introducing the hazards of improper use.
Our commitment to customer service runs deep. Our licensed professionals are ready to provide a number of fireplace services, such as chimney sweeping, expert inspections, repairs, renovations, and more. We’re also here to answer your questions and make sure you know how to best care for and most safely use your fireplace. So if you’re uncertain, don’t hesitate to reach out!