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P.O. Box 98
24310 Main Street
Elbert, CO 80106 |
Phone: (303)
648-3000
Fax: (303) 648-3650 |
Since 10.10.04 |
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Fireplace and Home Fire Safety: A Factsheet on Rural
Fire Safety and Prevention
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Fireplace
and Home Fire Safety (24 Kb)
More than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood
stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary heat
sources in their homes. Unfortunately, many people are
unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid
fuels.
Heating fires account for 36% of residential home fires
in rural areas every year. Often these fires are due to
creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. All home
heating systems require regular maintenance to function
safely and efficiently.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages
you to practice the following fire safety steps to keep
those home fires safely burning. Remember, fire safety is
your personal responsibility ...Fire Stops With You!
Keep Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean
- 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.
Safely Burn Fuels
- 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.
- Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your
fireplace or wood stove.
- When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the
fireplace on an adequate supporting grate.
- 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.
Protect the Outside of Your Home
- Stack firewood outdoors at least 30 feet away from
your home.
- Keep the roof clear of leaves, pine needles and
other debris.
- Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester.
- Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or
vents.
Protect the Inside of Your Home
- 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.
- Provide proper venting systems for all heating
equipment.
- Extend all vent pipes at least three feet above the
roof.
For More Information Contact:
The United States Fire Administration
Office of Fire Management Programs
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Kid's Page:
www.usfa.fema.gov/kids
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