Inspection Can Keep Fireplace Usage Safe
Sitting beside a cozy, crackling fire on a cold winter day or night is one of life’s simple pleasures that helps make a house feel like a home.
But before you start using your fireplace this year, make sure that you are not putting yourself and your family at risk. Since 1974 there have been more than 8,500 fires directly related to the misuse or malfunction of fireplaces in California, according to Sandi Wells, chief information officer of the Ventura County Fire Department.
“Fireplace usage can pose a real danger,” Wells said. “Regular inspection and proper usage are imperative to assure fire-safe operation.”
Safe operation of your fireplace requires adherence to a few guidelines. Here are the basics from Ventura County Fire Department and Fireplace Freddie, a Los Angeles chimney contractor:
* Using a flashlight, look up into the “throat” of the chimney and back wall of the fireplace. If you see velvety or shiny deposits in either area, your chimney needs to be cleaned professionally before use to avoid the hazard of flammable material buildup in the flue catching fire.
* Never burn trash, paper, green wood or Christmas trees in your fireplace. These materials tend to increase flammable creosote buildup on the lining of your chimney. Aged hardwood is the best fuel to use.
* Do not light a fire during extreme wind conditions, especially if you have a wood roof.
* Be sure to have a fireplace screen in place large enough to prevent flying embers and rolling logs from escaping onto the flooring.
* Store kindling and other flammables at least 3 feet from the fireplace.
* Take a close look at the walls and floor in the “firebox” area. If any of the mortar joints or firebricks are cracked, chipped or loose, contact a licensed fireplace technician for repairs before use.
* Do not light a fire unless there is a chimney cap with a spark screen in place atop the chimney.
* Always build a fire toward the back of the firebox and never add so much wood that the flames extend higher than the top of the fireplace opening.
* Make sure that the flue damper is open before lighting the kindling or gas log lighter.
* When using a gas log lighter, always light the match and place it on the wood before turning on the gas, to prevent a flame flashback.
* Always make sure the fire is out before going to bed.
* Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container. Even apparently cool ashes may contain enough residual heat to ignite combustible containers.
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Gary Abrams is a general contractor who has written about home improvement for The Times for 10 years.
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