Fireplace Safety

Heating equipment, like fireplaces, is the leading cause of fires in homes.¹ You can reduce fire risk and keep your home safe with simple fire safety tips and a little upkeep.

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Creosote is a big cause of many fireplace fires. It’s a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood. It builds up on the inside of your chimney and can possibly ignite. A chimney fire can spread to your attic in just minutes.

To prevent creosote from going up in flames, make sure you follow these guidelines:

1. Always use dry, seasoned wood. Green or wet wood produces more creosote. How can you tell if your wood is ready for the fireplace? Look for dark ends and cracks or splits in the wood.
2. Have your fireplace cleaned and inspected once a year. The Chimney Safety Institute of America says that this is the best way to prevent a fireplace fire.² Before the weather gets cold, hire a professional to inspect and clean your chimney.
3. Get enough air in your fire. Proper ventilation helps prevent creosote buildup. Keep the damper and fireplace doors open while using your fireplace. Keep the ash cleared out of your fireplace to increase airflow too.

During the holiday season, tossing gift wrap into the fireplace may seem like a great way to get rid of the trash while providing a little extra warmth. Don’t do it. Flaming bits of paper can float into the chimney and ignite creosote.

If your chimney flue doesn’t already have one, get a chimney flue cap installed. This will prevent animals and birds from getting inside and depositing flammable items in the chimney. You can get one for less than $100, and they aren’t too difficult to install yourself if you’re a DIYer.

Curling up in front of the roaring fire with a cozy blanket sounds nice, but don’t forget to keep flammable materials away from your fireplace. A good rule of thumb is to keep items at least three feet away from the fireplace.

Fireplace tools can be just as dangerous as a fire. Make sure the fireplace poker, matches, and lighters are put away safely so they don’t get into young, curious hands.

Some fireplace accessories you should always have nearby that can make your fireplace safer are a good fire extinguisher, a CO detector, and a smoke detector. Take a look at our top picks:

• Best Fire Extinguishers
• Best Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors
• Best Smoke Detectors

• Best Fire and Smoke Alarms for the Home
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector Buyers Guide
• Fire Safety Tips for Candles in the Home
• How to Prevent a House Fire
• Space Heater Safety Guide
• What to Do in the Event of a House Fire

1. Richard Campbell, National Fire Protection Association, “Home Heating Fires PDF,” January 2021. Accessed September 28, 2023.
2. Chimney Safety Institute of America, “The Facts About Chimney Fires.” Accessed September 28, 2023.