Winter and Heating Fire Safety

Fireplaces and Wood-stove Safety

Have your chimneys or wood-stoves inspected annually by a certified professional.
Keep all flammable materials including decorations and rugs etc. at least 3 feet away from the fireplace/wood-stove.
Always use a metal screen in front of a fireplace, keep glass doors open while burning a fire.
Keep air-inlets on wood-stove and fireplace open, closed inlets will create creosote build up which can lead to a chimney fire.
Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
Use only seasoned hard wood to avoid creosote build-up.
Never burn cardboard, trash, or debris in your fireplace or wood-stove.
NEVER leave fireplace or wood-stove unattended. Completely extinguish the fire before leaving the home or going to sleep.
Keep children and pets away from the fireplace or stove to prevent burns.
Be sure to get your furnace inspected annually. Maintain cleanliness of vents to prevent build-up.

Keep space heaters clean and inspected by professionals.
Maintain a three foot barrier around space heater from any flammable objects/materials.
Turn off space heaters when you leave.
Always use the correct amount and type of fuel when using portable space heaters that is recommended by the manufacturer.
Install and maintain Carbon Monoxide Alarms to prevent CO poisoning.

For Winter Holiday safety please visit our "Holiday Safety" page for more information.