Fireplace Safety

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Spring in southern California is a strange time of the year. Many people refer to it as “Winter part 2”, as the weather sort of bobs and weaves between dry heat and wind and torrential downpour. On the more gloomy days, people like to kick back in front of the fireplace and watch TV or read a book. While we here at SERVPRO of Chino / Chino Hills condone this, we also want you to be safe. This is a short list of tips to make your fireplace experience is a good one.

• Ensure the metal screen in the front of the fireplace is free of damage and working properly. This will stop stray sparks and embers from getting out.
• Make sure that all ashes are cool to the touch before disposing of them. Ash can easily reignite, causing a fire.
• Maintain distance between the fireplace and any flammable surfaces.
• Do not use sappy or wet wood in a fireplace. This causes excessive smoke. In addition, superheated sap inside of the wood may pop and explode, sending sparks into the air.
• Only allow professionals to maintain and inspect fireplaces and chimneys.

For additional tips and guidelines, consult a professional or visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website: www.nfpa.org