Tips for Fireplace Safety in Wausau, WI

Here in Wisconsin, we are still in the thick of fireplace season. At this point, you’ve probably been using your fireplace with some regularity for the last three or four months. But that doesn’t mean you can let up on your safety practices! Fireplace safety in Wausau, WI is crucial for the safety of you and everyone in your home, as well as ensuring the protection of your home itself.

Whether you have a gas or wood-burning fireplace, it’s important that you always keep safety in mind while the fireplace is in use. While the general safety rules are the same for both, there are also a few key differences in the steps you must take to safely operate them.

Here’s a quick overview of some must-know fireplace safety tips for both wood-burning and gas fireplaces.

Wood-burning fireplaces

Wood-burning fireplaces make up about 47 percent of fireplaces and hearths in North America. They are favorites for the crackling sounds and natural scents, and provide users with the satisfaction that comes with building up a fire from scratch. Because there is more interaction with the fire in a wood-burning fireplace, there are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

• The wood: Make sure you’re using the correct wood for your fireplace. To minimize smoke and the buildup of creosote, you’re going to want to use wood that is thoroughly dried out and properly seasoned. Hardwoods are often better than pine for interior fireplaces.
• Barriers: Always make sure your fireplace has a safety barrier screen or some type of curtain that will prevent embers from leaping out of the firebox.
• Know how to work the fireplace: With a wood-burning fireplace, you must be sure to open up the flue or damper before starting the fire. Otherwise, you’ll fill your house with smoke. You should keep that flue open until the fire is completely done burning and all embers are out.
• Don’t leave the fire: Do not leave the house or go to bed if the fire is still burning. Make sure it burns down before you decide to call it a night.
• Upkeep: Always remove ash in between fires. Otherwise, its buildup can restrict airflow and create a fire hazard in your home. Have your chimney swept once a year to avoid creosote buildup.

Gas fireplaces

Gas fireplaces and hearths make up about 37 percent of North American fireplaces. Gas is more convenient and doesn’t require as much interaction, but there are still some safety precautions to consider:

• Barriers: All gas fireplaces should have a safety barrier screen on the glass, as the glass can get hot while the fireplace is running. This will prevent burns from occurring.
• Distance: Keep small children and pets a safe distance away from the gas fireplace, as all of its parts can get hot. Continue to use caution until it’s cooled down.

For more information about fireplace safety in Wausau, WI, we encourage you to contact the team of fireplace contractors at Marcell’s Specialties, Inc.

Categorised in: Fireplace Safety

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