How-To Guides · Safety
Fireplace and Wood Stove Safety (Including What to Do with the Ashes)
Nothing beats a fire on a cold night. Here's how to enjoy it safely, from the National Fire Protection Association, including a part that is easy to get wrong. The ashes.
1. Step 1: Yearly Chimney Check
Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional at least once a year, before you start using it.
2. Step 2: Open The Damper
Open the damper before you light it. And leave it open until the fire is completely out.
3. Step 3: Dry Wood Only
Burn only dry, seasoned wood. Never burn trash. And start the fire with newspaper, kindling, or fire starters. Never lighter fluid or gasoline. Their invisible vapors can catch fire.
4. Step 4: Screen And 3 Feet
Keep a metal or glass screen in place. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away, and keep kids and pets back too. Glass doors can stay hot for hours after the fire goes out.
5. The Ashes
Let ashes cool first, then put them in a metal container with a tight lid. Soak them with water. Never dump ashes straight into the trash.
6. Where The Ash Can Goes
Keep that metal can outside, at least ten feet from your house, the garage, and anything else that can burn.
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Sources
Checked against the official sources above. Steps can change as apps update - tell us if something looks different: wischavenindustries@gmail.com