What’s the safest way to use my fireplace?

Avoid a holiday hazard this season

Here are a few tips for burning a fire without turning your fireplace into a holiday hazard:

• Burn wood only in a wood-burning fireplace. Never burn gift wrap, boxes or packing in the fireplace. They burn too quickly and generate too much heat. 
• If you Christmas stockings from the mantel, do it when you’re not burning a fire. Place them far enough away from the flames so they won’t catch on fire. 
• Install a screen in front of the fireplace and use it every time you light a fire. It will keep sparks from flying into the room. 
• Never use gasoline or lighter fluid start an indoor fire. 
• Choose seasoned, dried wood for use in the fireplace.
• Put the fire out before you leave the house or go to bed. Don’t let it burn out on its own. 
• Remove ashes regularly. Place them in a metal container and store them outside, far away from anything that’s flammable.
• Don't burn your Christmas tree in the fireplace after the holidays. The needles pose a hazard because they burn too quickly and too hot.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year before the holidays. 
• Install a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home.

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