Creosote build-up, which is the result of incomplete combustion, is the leading cause of chimney fires. Burning green wood produces high quantities of creosote as well as some poorly designed wood-burning stoves. Creosote coats chimney flues, creating a serious fire hazard. Here are a few safety tips for woodstoves and fireplaces:
Chimneys and heating equipment should be inspected by a professional before each heating season.
Never burn paper or trash in a wood-burning stove. (Flaming bits of paper will rise with the smoke and can ignite creosote build-up or roofing materials).
Always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room.
Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them.
Store removed ashes in tightly covered metal containers, never in boxes, bags, or plastic containers.
The second leading cause of heating-related fires is portable and stationary space heaters.
Here are safety tips to be used when heating your home:
Keep all things that can burn (newspapers, cloth, furniture, etc.) at least three feet away from stoves, fireplaces, portable heaters, and space heaters.
Never use a cooking appliance to heat your home.
Plug cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.
Space heaters should always be turned off when you leave the room or when you go to bed.
Have all fixed space heaters installed by a qualified heating professional.
Never use or store LP-gas tanks inside your home.
Make sure that all built-in space heaters are properly vented to chimneys and that the chimneys are cleaned and inspected annually.
Check the flues of your gas water heater or furnace for corrosion and obstructions that could present fire hazards.
In many cases, you can actually prevent a fire just by reading and following the manufacturer's instructions. This is especially important when you are using a new heater for the first time.