Forest Park Insurance

Tips For Preventing Chimney Fires This Winter

Keep Your Chimney & Fireplaces Clean

• Have your chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned by a licensed chimney specialist to help ensure they are functioning safely and efficiently

• Keep the area around the hearth clear of debris, decor and any other combustible materials

Fire Safety

• Make sure the damper is open before lighting a fire. This will help the fireplace to vent properly. Do not close your damper until you are sure the fire is out.

• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire. Always use a match or a commercial firelighter.

• While burning a fire, keep fireplace glass doors open. This allows the fire to receive enough air for complete combustion. It also helps reduce creosote build-up in the chimney.

• Use a metal mesh screen and keep it closed when you have a fire going to help keep embers in the fireplace.

• Using wet wood can increase the build-up of creosote, which can lead to chimney fires. Only use dry wood in your fireplace. Choose wood  that has been seasoned six months to a year.

• Do not burn plastic in your fireplace. Toxic chemicals can be released and cause damage to your chimney, fireplace wood stove and even you and your family.

• Never burn a Christmas tree in your fireplace. The sparks from burning needles can increase the risk for a chimney fire. Other items to avoid burning in your fireplace are: cardboard boxes, wrapping paper or trash in your fireplace.

• Leaving a fire in a fireplace unattended is never a good idea. Before leaving the house or going to bed, make certain to fully extinguish the fire.

• Ashes must be allowed to cool completely before disposing of them, placing them in a metal container with a lid - never a trash can - and keep at least 10 feet away from your home and other buildings. Be aware that ashes can take several days to cool completely. 

Best Practices for Firewood and Chimney Safety

• Make sure that firewood is stacked at least 30 feet away from your home

• To keep your chimney and roof free from leaves and other debris do a fall checkup. Make sure to prune any overhanging trees and branches to keep them away from your chimney.

• Look into installing a chimney cap to help keep debris, leaves, branches and animals out. This will also help  burning embers or sparks from escaping and creating a fire hazard.

Forest Park Insurance is committed to bringing security to our partners lives with valuable tips and advice that you can apply in your daily life.

If you would like to receive a proposal for homeowners insurance, auto insurance, or farm insurance, please contact us at 765-762-5540.