Gas and Wood Fireplace Safety: Essential Tips for a Cozy and Safe Winter

Fireplace Safety: 17 Tips for a Cozy and Safe Winter

At Lindstrom Restoration, we have responded periodically to fires caused by a fireplace or chimney issue.  As we move into the dead of winter, many homeowners will be utilizing their fireplaces to seek warmth and ambiance. Unfortunately, that causes fire risk to increase. Most people don’t utilize fireplaces in the warm summer months. Still, lightning storms can cause chimney fires, especially if nasty creosote build-up hasn’t been cleaned by a professional chimney sweep. These risks warrant safe usage and annual maintenance.

For those homes that do have fireplaces, most of them are gas units. A check with a fireplace store found that out of every 10 new fireplaces installed, 9 are gas units.  The main reasons are cleanliness, convenience, and heating ability. The ability to simply push a button and have an instant fire is appealing to many. There is no smoke or clean-up and one doesn’t have to hassle with wood purchase, storage, and getting the fire started.  Also, homeowners prefer the more efficient heating a gas fireplace can deliver.  Each has its own type of fire risks. 

Fireplace and chimney fires are common, especially in cold weather states.  One of our Lindstrom employees came close to having a major home fire when he made the foolish mistake of not disposing of the wood ashes properly as a young and inexperienced homeowner.  He knew a metal container was appropriate but miscalculated how long embers can survive in a fireplace.  In his case, he and his wife had enjoyed a fire 7 days prior and thought for sure that it had burnt out.  Not so.  He couldn’t find the metal pail in his garage, and threw the ashes in a dumpster, after carefully examining what he was tossing in.  Even that care didn’t save him from having the dumpster go up in flames in his garage. Luckily, he saw the smoke smoldering in the dumpster and moved it out to the driveway just before it was engulfed in flames.  He felt quite silly putting out the fire with his outside garden hose, which he had just turned on for the warmer months in late March. 

Both gas and wood-burning fireplaces offer comfort, but they also come with specific safety considerations. Ensuring proper maintenance and following safety guidelines can help prevent accidents and ensure that your fireplace remains a safe, efficient, and enjoyable feature in your home. Here are some tips on how to stay safe when using gas and wood fireplaces:

Gas Fireplace Safety Tips

Gas fireplaces offer convenience and ease of use, but they still require attention to ensure safety. Here are some important safety tips.  Again the same Lindstrom employee who had the wood-burning fireplace mishap had another problem with a gas fireplace in the same house. A home inspector found that there was a small gas leak.  The smell was not detectable, but it was a gas leak nonetheless, which he had repaired. 

• 1. Professional Installation
  • A licensed professional should install your gas fireplace to ensure it is set up correctly. Improper installation can lead to gas leaks or fire hazards. The installation should also meet local building codes.
• 2. Regular Maintenance
  • Gas fireplaces should be serviced by a professional at least once a year. This includes checking the gas lines, burner assembly, ignition system, and exhaust vents. Keeping the fireplace clean ensures that it works efficiently and prevents the buildup of dangerous substances like carbon monoxide.
• 3. Carbon Monoxide Detection
  • Since gas fireplaces release carbon monoxide (CO), it’s crucial to have a functioning carbon monoxide detector nearby. This odorless gas can be fatal in high concentrations, so always check that your detector is operational and change its batteries regularly.
• 4. Ventilation
  • Make sure your gas fireplace is vented properly to prevent the buildup of dangerous gases. If you have a vented gas fireplace, ensure that the vent is clear of debris or obstructions. For ventless models, it is important to only use them in well-ventilated rooms to reduce the risk of CO buildup.
• 5. Turn Off When Not in Use
  • Always turn off the gas supply when the fireplace is not in use, especially if you have a manual gas valve. This prevents any potential leaks or accidents.
• 6. Keep the Area Clear
  • Keep flammable objects, such as furniture, curtains, or blankets, away from the fireplace. Gas fireplaces can generate significant heat, which can ignite nearby materials if placed too close.

Wood Fireplace Safety Tips

Wood-burning fireplaces are beloved for their classic charm and crackling sounds. However, they require more maintenance and attention to avoid fire hazards. Here are the key safety precautions:

• 1. Chimney Inspection, Proper Wood Sources and Cleaning
  • Regular chimney cleaning is essential for preventing the buildup of creosote, a highly flammable substance formed from burning wood. Creosote buildup can lead to dangerous chimney fires. Hire a professional chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney at least once a year, especially if you use your fireplace frequently. Experts will tell you not to cook in your wood-burning fireplace and avoid using wood products that are more susceptible to creosote buildup. 
  • The best types of wood to use are hardwoods, such as oak, hickory, and ash rather than softwoods like pine or cedar. Hardwoods burn hotter, slower, and cleaner. Creosote is a mixture of chemicals that comes from the distillation of wood tar.  It can build up in chimneys forming a substance that looks like tar flakes.  This buildup can restrict the flue pipe and cause a chimney fire. Chimney sweep companies can remove creosote and reduce the risks of chimney fires.  This maintenance should be done annually.  The company can also check your chimney for cracks and other issues.   
• 2. Proper Wood Storage
  • Always store firewood away from the fireplace and in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent the risk of a fire hazard from stored logs.
• 3. Use a Fireplace Screen
  • A fireplace screen is an essential safety feature that protects your home from flying sparks and embers. Always use a screen, especially when the fire is burning brightly, to keep hot embers from escaping the hearth and igniting nearby objects.
• 4. Keep the Fireplace Clean
  • After each use, ensure the fireplace is cleaned of any remaining ashes. Do not leave ashes in the fireplace for long periods, as they can retain heat and become a fire hazard. Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and store it outside, away from the home.

• 5. Never Leave the Fire Unattended
  • Never leave the fire unattended, particularly when it’s burning strongly. Always ensure that the fire is fully extinguished before leaving the house or going to bed. If the fire burns too hot or gets out of control, it can spread quickly.
• 6. Install Smoke Detectors
  • Smoke detectors are critical in any home with a wood fireplace. Ensure your detectors are installed near the fireplace and in key areas of your home. Test them regularly and replace batteries as needed.

General Fireplace Safety Tips for Both Gas and Wood Fireplaces

• 1. Fire Extinguisher Readiness
  • Always keep a fire extinguisher in the vicinity of the fireplace. Make sure it is easily accessible and that everyone in your household knows how to use it.
• 2. Child and Pet Safety
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the fireplace to avoid burns or injury. Consider installing a safety gate or screen to create a barrier between the flames and young ones.
• 3. Know How to Handle an Emergency
  • Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures in case of a fire. In the event of a fire spreading, ensure everyone in your home knows how to evacuate and where to meet outside. If necessary, call emergency services immediately.
• 4. Avoid Overloading the Fireplace
  • Whether gas or wood-burning, do not overload your fireplace with logs or other items. For wood-burning units, ensure that the firebox is not overcrowded. For gas fireplaces, use the recommended fuel type and volume.
• 5. Fireplace and Mantel Decorations
  • Many homeowners put holiday decorations and other items by the fireplace to dress things up.  Be very careful where they are placed.  Sparks can ignite flammable. 

Conclusion

Both gas and wood fireplaces can enhance the coziness of your home, but they come with safety risks that should not be overlooked. Regular maintenance, proper operation, and awareness of fire hazards are essential steps to ensure safe use. By following these tips, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your fireplace while keeping your home safe and secure throughout the winter months.

If an emergency does occur, Lindstrom Restoration is here to help with professional fire repair and smoke damage restoration services, ensuring your home is restored quickly and effectively.