Fireside Safety: Essential Tips for Wood Fireplace Use

As wood fireplaces regain popularity, it’s easy to see why. They not only offer effective heating for your home but also bring the delightful crackling sounds and a warm ambiance, especially during the holiday season. However, while these fireplaces can enhance your cozy atmosphere, ensuring safety is paramount. It’s crucial to check for any potential issues that could lead to disaster—house fires are a risk no one wants to face, particularly when it comes to family safety. By following our safety tips below, you can enjoy warm, inviting wood fires with peace of mind this fall and winter!

Regular Inspections

Even if it is not due for cleaning it is a good idea to check for animal nests or blockages in your chimney, that could prevent smoke from getting out.
Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning by Coalway, of your chimney each year to prevent creosote buildup and ensure proper ventilation.
Our team has many professional and certified chimney sweep specialists who can remove creosote buildup and check for structural issues, ensuring your fireplace and chimney are in the best condition for heating.

Proper Ventilation

Ensure the damper or flue is open before igniting the fire.
Inspect the chimney cap to confirm it’s intact and prevents debris from blocking airflow.
This helps effectively draw smoke out of the house.
Avoid closing the damper until the embers have completely extinguished.

Use Dry Wood

Burning wet or green wood can produce excess smoke and lead to buildup in the chimney.
Seasoned, dried wood burns more evenly and generates less smoke.

Clean Out Ashes

Always clean out the ashes from the previous fire before starting another fire.
This helps with airflow.
If the ashes are too thick, it can restrict the air supply to the logs, resulting in more smoke.

Safety Tips

Install safety screens to prevent any potential burns from hot glass, especially with children.
This can also help with sparks and prevent embers from escaping the fireplace and causing a fire. Make sure that the screen is a fire-resistant material.
Keep at least 3 feet around the fireplace clear of anything flammable, like books, drapes, or furniture.
Never leave a fire unattended; fully extinguish it before bed. Always take children with you if you leave the room.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; test regularly and replace batteries as needed.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.

Avoid Overloading Fireplace

Do not overload the fire with too much wood. This can result in excessive smoke and dangerous flare-ups.

Cool Down Ashes

Allow ashes to cool for several days before disposal, always using a metal container.
Keep ashes stored outside, away from the house, to prevent accidental fires from lingering embers.

Use Proper Kindling Techniques

Start the fire with small pieces of kindling wood and never use accelerators like gasoline or lighter fluid if at all possible.

Fireplace Tools

Tools like pokers, tongs, or shovels are great to use to manage your fire. They can help to keep your hands away from the flames and adjust logs, while preventing the risk of burns. We have many hearth accessories available at Coalway to make fire management easier for you!

Store Firewood In A Safe Area

Store firewood at least 30 feet from the fireplace to reduce fire risk and prevent pests. Keep kindling and lighter fluids in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.

Establish A Fire Safety Plan

In the unlikely event of a fire, having an escape plan ensures everyone knows exit routes and meeting points for a quick, safe evacuation.
Teach all household members about fire safety, including the importance of avoiding play near fires and how to respond in an emergency.

If you have questions about the safety of your fireplace or chimney, contact Coalway. We’re here to address any concerns and, if needed, can schedule a timely home assessment to ensure everything is in safe working order. Your safety is our top priority—we’re committed to helping you stay warm and safe, as the colder weather arrives.

Additional Blog Posts

Create A Custom Fireplace Using Our Visualizer

Best Fireplace Inserts

Fireside Safety: Essential Tips for Wood Fireplace Use