More than a third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as a heat source in their homes. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels.
Heating fires account for 36% of home fires every year. These fires are often due to creosote build-ups in chimneys and stovepipes. Practicing the following safety tips will help keep your home fires burning safely:
- Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.
- Leave fireplace glass doors open while burning a fire.
- Close the glass doors when the fire is out to prevent air from the chimney getting into the room.
- Always use a metal mesh screen for wood burning fireplaces.
- Keep air inlets of wood stoves open, and never restrict the air supply for fireplaces.
- Use fire resistant materials on walls around wood stoves.
And remember… all home heating systems require regular maintenance to function properly, efficiently and safely.
