Fireplace & Wood Stove Fire Safety

• Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist.
• Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces. Leave glass doors open while burning a fire.
• Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.
• Keep air inlets on wood stoves open, and never restrict air supply to fireplaces. Otherwise you may cause creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire.
• Use fire-resistant materials on walls around wood stoves.
• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Use only seasoned hardwood. Soft, moist wood accelerates creosote buildup.
• Build small fires that burn completely and produce less smoke. When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace on an adequate supporting grate.
• Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace or wood stove.
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside your home.
• Stack firewood outdoors at least 30 feet away from your home.
• Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Consider installing the new long life smoke alarms.
• Extend all vent pipes at least three feet above the roof.

More Information: Shelton Fire Marshals Office at 924-1555, or Fire Prevention Bureau Web Site: ctconnect.com/sheltonfire