A Fire Disaster is One Mistake Away

10/26/2022 (Permalink)

Every fireplace should be inspected and cleaned before using. Always have a professional service your chimney once a year before the winter season.

Winter is coming!  So are the fires…

Here in the Lowcountry of South Carolina it’s not typical to use a fireplace.  It is typically reserved for the very coldest part of the year, which is a pretty brief period between January and February.  With such infrequent use of fireplaces, it becomes even more important to consider fireplace safety.   Here at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston & Dorchester County we have seen our share of home’s ravaged by fire and smoke due to improper use of a fireplace.  With the winter season approaching we thought it was important to share some key tips with our community.

First off, before you even use your fireplace ask yourself a question, when was the last time you had it inspected?  It’s exciting to think about the holidays and sitting by a roaring fire around New Years and all the warm and toasty feelings it creates but forgetting to take this critical step could risk lives, and your home.  Have your fireplace inspected by a professional, and licensed, chimney sweep company.  It’s so important to have a professional clean your chimney and check it for leaks or damage to the components that make up your chimney, like the flue, heat shield and top.

Here are some more important tips:

• Keep a clearance zone of a few feet. Items NOT allowed in this zone would include any items made of paper like books and magazines; fabrics, including drapes and blankets; and wood.
• Always use a safety screen made of metal or glass. This prevents flames or burning embers from escaping the fireplace, and keeps flammable items from getting in.
• For electric fireplaces always use a grounded heavy duty power cable with the proper gauge and wattage rating.
• For wood burning fireplaces, always use dry wood. Freshly cut wood has high levels of moisture which means more smoke and the potential for deposits collecting inside the chimney.
• Keep a metal container handy for removing hot embers and ashes, and always store it outside at a safe distance away from the home.
• NEVER use gasoline, kerosene or lighter fluid to start your fire. Only use newspaper or dry kindling.
• Keep your chimney clean, look for soot or creosote buildup regularly.

Everyone should get to enjoy an evening around the ambience of a fireplace, just always make sure you take the necessary precautions to enjoy it without the risks of starting a fire.  And even if you don’t have a fireplace and prefer to stand around a fire pit outside, take the same level of precaution and follow local guidelines and laws.  There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a nice winter season using your fireplace and fire pit without causing a fire.  Stay safe out there!