Fireplace Warehouse - Safety Tips

Make sure your fire alarms have fresh batteries and are in working order by testing them monthly!
Install a type ABC fire extinguisher near the fireplace.
Install a screen to completely cover the fireplace opening to keep sparks from flying out.
Keep combustible materials such as carpets, furniture, paper, logs and kindling at least 3-feet away from the fireplace.
Arrange grate and irons so logs can't roll out.
Use only enough gas (if a gas fed fireplace) or wood to keep the fire at the desired temperature. Avoid roaring fires. They can start chimney fires from soot and creosote deposits in the flue.
Do not use gasoline or other flammable liquids to kindle or rekindle a fire. Flammable vapors can explode! Any flammable liquids, including those from craft projects can vaporize and travel the length of a room!
Keep the damper open while the logs or gas is burning to provide for efficient burning and to prevent accumulation of poisonous or explosive gases.
Never burn Christmas tree greens. They cause many sparks when burning and can cause a chimney or house fire.
Remove colored comic sections before rolling newspapers into logs. The colored inks contain lead and can provide toxic gases.
Do not use coal, charcoal or polystyrene packaging in a fireplace unless the fireplace is designed to handle the excess heat and smoke, which occurs when burning these materials.
Do not treat artificial logs the same way you treat real wood logs. Use only one at a time. If you use more, they can produce too much heat for some fireplaces to withstand.
Keep children away from the fire! For younger children, special gates, etc. can be purchased to further increase the distance between the fire and your child.
Be sure all ashes have thoroughly cooled before you dispose of them. Put ashes in a lidded metal container to prevent a possible fire and provide a sturdy place to store them. Ashes make good fertilizer in gardens, flowerbeds, etc.
Be sure the fire is out completely before retiring for the evening.