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Keep Fireplaces
and Wood Stoves Clean
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Have your
chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned
annually by a certified chimney specialist.
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Clear the area
around the hearth of debris, decorations and
flammable materials.
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Always use a
metal mesh screen with fireplaces. Leave
glass doors open while burning a fire.
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Install
stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue
temperatures.
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Keep air inlets
on wood stoves open, and never restrict air
supply to fireplaces. Otherwise you may
cause creosote buildup that could lead to a
chimney fire.
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Use
fire-resistant materials on walls around
wood stoves.
Safely Burn
Fuels
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Never (NEVER)
use flammable liquids to start a fire.
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Use only
seasoned hardwood. Soft, moist wood
accelerates creosote buildup.
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Build small
fires that burn completely and produce less
smoke.
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Never burn
cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your
fireplace or wood stove.
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When building a
fire, place logs at the rear of the
fireplace on an adequate supporting grate.
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Never leave a
fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish
the fire before going to bed or leaving the
house.
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Soak hot ashes
in water and place them in a metal container
outside your home.
Protect
the Outside of Your Home
- Stack firewood
outdoors at least 30 feet away from your
home.
- Keep the roof
clear of leaves, pine needles and other
debris.
- Cover the
chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester.
- Remove
branches hanging above the chimney, flues or
vents.
Protect the
Inside of Your Home
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Install smoke
alarms on every level of your home. Test
them monthly and change the batteries at
least once a year. Consider installing the
new long life smoke alarms.
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Provide proper
venting systems for all heating equipment.
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Extend all vent
pipes at least three feet above the roof.
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