Fire Safety Tips For Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

Recently, PWC Fire and Rescue has responded to several residential fires that were started by a fire in a fireplace or a wood stove.

PWC Fire and Rescue urges caution when using fireplaces and wood stoves, and offers the following tips:

• Each year, prior to using your fireplace or wood stove, have your chimney and vents inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional.
• Have a sturdy fireplace screen or keep the doors on the wood stove closed to stop sparks from flying into the room.
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood in fireplaces and wood stoves and dry, seasoned wood pellets in pellet stoves.
• NEVER start the fire with a flammable liquid, kerosene or gasoline; use newspaper or kindling.
• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away.
• NEVER leave a fireplace or wood stove fire unattended, particularly when children are present.
• Allow ashes to cool for several days before disposing (up to 4 days).
  • Dispose of ashes in a tightly covered metal container.
  • Douse and saturate the ashes with water.
  • Place the ash container a safe distance from your home (at least 10 feet).
    • DO NOT store in your home, garage or other nearby buildings.