Fireplace Safety
By David M Haught, CHI

This is a recent article published in the Herald Dispatch December 18, 2005
Home "Health" & Safety Tips
Fireplace Safety


Now that winter has arrived it is a good idea to have your fireplace chimney inspected and cleaned. We want to insure that Santa's red outfit doesn't get dirty on his annual trip down the chimney. And more importantly you don't ruin the holidays with a house fire.

Modern high efficient fireplace inserts with modular engineered flues that draw combustion air from the outside may be the most efficient way to use a fireplace to heat a home. Conventional wood burning fireplace pulls more warm air from the home than it heats in the home. But there are few things in life that can beat the warm cozy feeling you get watching the flames dance and embers glow of a real wood burning fireplace on a cold winter's night.

Before you light that fire, it is a good idea to have a qualified chimney sweep inspect and clean your fireplace chimney. The sweep will inspect your fire box for cracks or fire brick failure and proper operation of the damper. Then they will inspect the flue for creosote build up. Creosote is a combustible substance that can accumulate in the flue as a byproduct of burning wood and causes chimney fires. Burning creosote creates immense heat, destroying the chimney and igniting combustible framing around the chimney and the roof.

After cleaning the flue liner is inspected for cracks and separations. Masonry chimneys exteriors are inspected for cracks, mortar failure and flashing.

To insure you have a qualified chimney sweep they should be F.I.R.E. Certified. Go to www.f-i-r-e-service.com for more information.

If you have a wood stove refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for clearance from combustibles. In fireplaces that have an opening of 6 sq. ft. the hearth should be 20 inches deep and 12 inches wider than the opening. The noncombustible area around the opening should be at least 6 inches. A fire screen should always used or even better, a tempered glass door. And never leave your fire untended. After your inspection and cleaning, you can safely enjoy your fireplace with your family and friends.