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Written by admin (Cranston, Rhode Island)
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 Here at The Construction Lounge, we figured it was that time of year once again to share some important tips about fireplace safety. It’s the holiday season and more often than not, the little bits of common sense and precaution that you normally use during the year get crowded out by the rush of activities, or perhaps the strength of your eggnog. So, we implore you to look over this list and check it twice before starting up that cozy, crackling fire in the fireplace...because really, all you want is the holidays and only the holidays to be bright.
Depending on the type of wood burnt, and how often it is used for fires, you could have a dangerous level of flammable coating and creosote buildup (which causes carbon monoxide poisonings) inside your chimney. Have chimneys inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary, by a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) Certified Chimney Sweep. Locating a certified sweep is easy; visit the CSIA Web site at www.csia.org or call 1-800-536-0118. A certified sweep will let you know of any problems that they find and can also perform maintenance on your wood stove or help remove gas logs from a fireplace.
Do not overload the fireplace. Large fires can lead to overheating of wall or roof materials, particularly if the fireplace is constructed of metal. It is imperative to make sure the fire you build fits your fireplace. Don't exceed your fireplaces' limit. Some are meant for small warm fires while some can withstand large hot fires. If you are unsure of how big a fire you can have, check with a chimney sweep or fireplace accessory store for information on the type of fireplace you have.
Build it correctly. Place firewood or fire logs at the rear of the fireplace on a supporting grate. If you are installing a factory-made fireplace, it should not be located near any combustible materials. It should also have adequate flame and heat barriers.
Keeping the top of the chimney clear of tree limbs or debris can be accomplished by installing a chimney cap.
Another benefit of the cap is that it will keep animals out of the chimney, which is always a nice touch.
Always use a fireplace screen. A fireplace screen around the fireplace keeps sparks from flying out and protects children, adults and flammable objects from accidental ignition.
Before lighting any fire, check to see that the  Flue is open. Remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area and keep flammable materials such as carpets, pillows, and furniture a safe distance away.
Fuel the fire safely. For burning firewood in wood stoves or fireplaces, choose well-seasoned wood that has been dried for a minimum of six months to a year and stored properly.
Always open the damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. This will avert the build-up of poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide.
To start the fire, use a firelighter. Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter, kerosene or other fuel to light or relight a fire because the vapors can travel the length of a room and explode. Never keep flammable fuels near a fire.
Home rolled newspaper logs should never be soaked in flammable fuels of any kind because of the severe danger of explosion. Soaking the newspaper in water either before rolling or during rolling removes the clay content and will provide a better burning log. Then, stack the logs on end and let them dry for two weeks in the basement. When lighting the newspaper logs, use kindling just as you would for a regular fire.
Do not treat artificial logs like real logs. Artificial logs are usually made of sawdust and wax and have special burning properties. Be sure to read the instructions on the logs and follow them carefully. Use just one log at a time and do not add another log until the fire is completely out. Never add an artificial log to a natural wood fire that is already burning. Wait at least two hours before adding an artificial log to a natural log fire because it could cause a flare-up. And, do not poke artificial logs because the flaming wax could stick to the poker and drop onto the floor or carpet. Poking a log could also cause a flare-up.
Never burn Christmas tree branches in a fireplace. They are highly flammable and will usually exceed the fireplace's capacity.
Do not burn trash or gift wrap/wrapping paper in the fireplace. These materials may contain polystyrene foam and other coated materials which can generate deadly fumes. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely. Flying paper embers could also ignite the roof.
Be sure to use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children and pets.
After your fire, let the fireplace cool and remove the ashes in a metal container. Never store them in the house.
Never leave a fire unattended, and of course, always make sure that the fire is completely extinguished before going to bed for the night or when leaving the house.
There you go folks, a few tips on fireplace safety to get you through the holiday and winter seasons. Be safe and be well.
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