Safety Tips for Your Wood Stove
It's important to follow a few simple safety tips when building home fires. These guidelines will help keep you, your family and your property safe.
- Keep the stove or fireplace clean. A clogged chimney or a fireplace that is coated in residue will result in a smoky and possibly dangerous fire. Make sure to have your unit professionally cleaned at least once a year by a certified chimney sweep.
- Keep the fire under control. Building a fire that is too large for your fireplace or wood stove is not only wasteful; it's also dangerous. Large fires can get out of control quickly and can also cause cracks in your chimney. Start with small logs and add to your fire gradually.
- Shield your fire. Grates and screens placed across the front of the fire will prevent errant sparks from igniting your furniture or causing burns. Glass screens are most effective, although wire mesh screens will also work.
- Monitor your fire. Don't ever leave a fire burning without someone in attendance. When you go to bed or leave the house, ensure that the fire is completely extinguished and adjust the air intake vents on the unit to prevent oxygen from reaching the fire.
- Know what to expect. Fire logs and hard and soft woods are all safe to burn in your wood fireplace or stove, but make sure you know what you're burning so that you know how it will react. Hard woods burn long and hot, while soft woods tend to flash up quickly and create a lot of sparks.
- Burn only approved materials. Did you know that putting your Christmas tree in the fireplace can cause a fast and very dangerous flash fire? If you don't know what to expect, don't burn it!
Home fireplaces and wood stoves are a wonderful addition to any environment. Using your common sense and following these easy guidelines will guard against disaster and ensure a positive fire experience.