With cold weather is upon us! Many of us will use our fireplaces and wood stoves as either a primary or supplemental heating source in our home. Unfortunately, too many people are unaware of the fire risks involved when using these heating methods. Over the last couple of days CFD has responded to several faulty chimney fires in residences. Since 2003, there have been 26 fires in Charlotte caused by improper heating usage resulting in approximately $648,500 dollars worth of property damage. The Charlotte Fire Department encourages you to practice the following fire safety tips to keep your fireplace or wood stove fire burning safely:

• Have your fireplace, wood stove and chimney cleaned and inspected annually for creosote build-up and cracks in mortar or chimney flues
• Keep the hearth area clear of decorations, debris and combustible materials
• Always use a metal mesh screen with your fireplace
• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire
• Only a competent adult should start and supervise a fireplace or wood stove fire
• Use only seasoned hardwoods
• Build small fires that burn completely and produce little smoke
• Do not exceed the fuel capacity of your fireplace or wood stove
• If using manufactured fire logs only burn one at a time and follow all of the manufactures directions
• Do not use manufactured fire logs as a starter log or with other wood or fuels
• Do not exceed safe operating temperatures, allow your fireplace, wood stove, chimney and stovepipes to cool
• Never burn cardboard, paper, trash, charcoal or debris in your fireplace or wood stove
• Never leave any burning fire unattended
• Always supervise kids and pets around a fireplace or wood stove
• Always extinguish your fireplace or wood stove fire before going to bed
• Place hot ashes in a separate metal container outside your home, away from decks, landscape materials and other combustibles, and soak them with water
• Store firewood away from the fireplace and at least 30 feet away from your home
• Make sure that the roof is clear of leaves, pine needles and other debris
• Always use a metal mesh screen spark arrester on your chimney
• Remove branches hanging above chimneys, flues or vents
• Install both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, at all sleeping areas, and test them at least monthly
• Develop and practice a home escape plan

 Most fires related to supplemental heating are caused by improper installation, maintenance or use of the heating source. Careful operation is crucial to the safety of you and your family. If you have a fire in your house, Get Out And Stay Out! Call the fire department from a safe location and never go back inside.