Chimney & Fireplace Safety Tips For The Holidays
Are your chimney and fireplace ready for the holidays? From the dazzling holiday lights and ‘The Nutcracker’ Ballet to the ‘Steel City’s’ annual gingerbread competition, the winter holiday season in downtown Pittsburgh is a feast for the senses. At home, the festivities continue with the joy of family gatherings, laughter, and stories shared around the crackling fireplace, creating a warm and cozy ambiance. To keep your chimney and fireplace merry and bright, remember these safety tips for the holidays.
Chimney Inspection & Cleaning
An annual inspection and cleaning by a professional chimney sweep is essential to identify any hazardous creosote buildup, flue obstructions (such as animal nests and debris), or structural damage that could turn a cozy night into a holiday nightmare.
Only Burn Seasoned Firewood
Only burn hardwoods that have been properly seasoned (dried) for at least six months to one year. The high moisture content in green or unseasoned firewood can lead to smoldering fires, excessive smoke, and a rapid buildup of highly combustible creosote in your flue. Try these popular firewood species that are available locally:
- Ash
- Cherry
- Hickory
- Oak
- Mixed
Never Dispose Your Christmas Tree in the Fireplace
Christmas trees and even dried-out pine needles contain a significant amount of highly volatile resin or sap. In a fireplace, they can ignite with explosive intensity, creating a massive flash fire that can easily overwhelm the flue and spread to the rest of your home. Always dispose of Christmas trees through your local disposal program or a private collection service. The City of Pittsburgh offers convenient drop-off locations for residents.
Maintain a Fireplace Safety Zone
Keep flammable materials, such as holiday stockings, Christmas trees, decorations, and furniture, at least 3 feet away from the fireplace opening. Also, don’t leave children or pets unattended near the hearth.
Install Glass Fireplace Doors
Glass fireplace doors serve as an excellent physical barrier, preventing sparks and embers from escaping the hearth and landing on the floor, rug, or furnishings.
Trim Tree Limbs Near the Roof
Any tree branches hanging within 10 feet of your chimney or roof pose a risk of catching fire from stray sparks or embers that may land on the roof. Trimming them back is an easy way to eliminate a preventable hazard.
Have a Fire Extinguisher Ready
Keep a multi-purpose Class ABC fire extinguisher easily accessible near your fireplace, and ensure everyone in the house knows how to use it.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The winter holidays increase the risk of both fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can back up into your living space when the flue is blocked. Test your smoke and CO detectors monthly and replace the batteries every 6 months, or as required by the manufacturer.
Know What to Do In Case of a Chimney Fire
The sound of a chimney fire is frequently described as a loud, roaring sound, similar to that of a freight train. If you hear popping or loud noises, smell intense burning, or see flames or dense smoke pouring from the chimney top, follow these steps:
- Close the damper
- Evacuate the house.
- Call 911 immediately.
Always Extinguish the Fire Before Retiring or Leaving
Never leave flames burning in the fireplace unattended. Before you go to bed or leave the house, ensure the fire is completely out. To prevent reigniting, use a fireplace poker to spread out the embers and carefully cover them with a non-flammable substance, such as sand or baking soda, until they are cool.
Call Advance Chimney Sweeps for Your Holiday Inspection Today
Did you know that most chimney fires start around the holidays? As the most trusted chimney sweep from western Pennsylvania to north-central West Virginia, we provide a wide range of services, including inspections, sweeping, repairs, and installations. Our certified professionals proudly serve the Pittsburgh Metro area, including Monroeville, Perry Township, Finleyville, and Brookhaven, WV. Contact us today to schedule a chimney inspection so your fireplace is ready for the holidays.
