You can’t beat a lit fire in the winter when it’s cold outside. But there are some important safety tips to bear in mind to keep you and your family safe…
- When possible, keep a window slightly open while the fire is on.
- Be sure the damper/ flue is open before lighting your fire. Doing so until the fire is out will draw smoke out of the house. The damper can be checked by looking up into the chimney with a torch or a mirror. Don’t close the damper until the last embers have completely finished burning.
- Use well-aged, dry wood. Wet or green wood causes more smoke and contributes to soot build-up in the chimney. Dried wood burns with less smoke and burns more thoroughly.
- Smaller pieces of wood placed on a grate burn faster and produce less smoke.
- Clean out the ashes from previous fires. Levels of ash at the base of the fireplace should be kept to 1 inch or less because a thicker layer restricts the air supply to logs, resulting in more smoke.
- The chimney should be checked annually by a professional.
- Even if the chimney is not due for a cleaning, it is important to check for animal nests or other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping/ harm wildlife.
- Ensure the area surrounding your fireplace is clear of anything flammable (furniture, curtains, books etc.) or you risk them catching fire.
- Never leave a fire unattended. Ensure it is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house. If you leave the room while the fire is burning or the fireplace is still hot, make sure small children are kept out the room too.
- Minimise your child’s chance of burns from the hot glass front of some fireplaces. Safety screens can be installed to reduce the risk of burns.
- Keep fireplace tools away from childrens’ reach – including any lighters or matches.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them regularly and change the batteries at least once a year.
- Ideally, keep a fire extinguisher within reach.
- Keep children at a safe distance from the fire and teach them about fire safety before they are around a lit fire.