Classic Fireplace has some fireplace safety tips to ensure your holidays are happy. Since it’s getting cold outside, we are turning up the heat and getting into the season by cozying up next to the hearth. We have all heard enough carols to know that fireplaces are an integral part of the Christmas season. The holidays come with a slew of fire safety concerns. They mean more family gatherings and decorations, so you will want to be sure you minimize any possible risks. The first thing you should do before you start your fireplace or stove this year is to have its annual maintenance done. Our service can make sure your fireplace is working safely and efficiently for the season. Once it’s ready to go, these tips will make sure your fireplace is cozy and safely festive.
Gas, Wood, and Electric Fireplaces
All our gas, wood, and electric fireplaces are built according to the highest safety benchmarks and produce cozy and beautiful fires, but each type comes with some different safety measures. These safety tips are good practice for all three types of fireplaces.
Gas and wood fireplaces both create fires with considerable heat that require monitoring. Gas fireplaces are a closed system, so the front window or doors do not usually open. They can also be immediately quenched by turning off the gas supply/fireplace. Wood fireplaces need to open so that you can provide wood for the fire. The burning logs can create sparks, which can ignite something extremely flammable on contact. That’s why all our wood fireplaces and stoves have doors. Closing these will keep any sparks contained, and have the fire burn more efficiently. If you want to keep the doors open to better hear and smell the fire, carefully monitor the fire, and use dry wood without sap; it will produce little to no sparks.
Electric fireplaces do not create real fires. As a result, they have less extreme heat than gas or wood, and some less risk. The flames can even be turned on without the heater to give only the visual effect of a fire. However, electric fireplaces still produce a significant amount of heat, so you do not want to put anything flammable directly on or in front of their heat vent(s).
Set Up a Barrier
All our fireplaces close off the fire behind glass. However, the glass and metal can still become hot to the touch or ignite flammable objects. Set up a barrier that will keep kids, dogs, or that inattentive uncle from getting themselves or a fire risk too close. As family visits more often during this season, there is an increased potential for an accident, especially for family members or animals who are not used to a fireplace. Spark screens are an elegant barrier that go perfectly with a fireplace’s aesthetic. They will also catch any sparks if a wood fireplace is being kept open.
Decorations and the 3-Foot/1-Meter Rule
Getting your fireplace festive along with the rest of your home is part of the fun. Make sure you are decorating it safely and follow the 3-foot rule. Keep anything flammable, think decorations or gifts in wrapping paper, at least 3 feet or 1 meter away from the fireplace. This rule is also the standard for any other flames like candles, so those celebrating Hannukah should also apply the 3-foot rule to the menorah. This rule is a good general practice, but always check your owner’s manual for specific information for decoration clearance since every fireplace is a little different.
Keeping the Tree Green
Trees, especially living ones, are a potential fire hazard. They are wood after all. Although they are usually in the same living area as the fireplace, they are no exception to the 3-foot/1 meter rule. Keep the tree a safe distance. If a living tree, also ensure it has plenty of water. That’s not just so it will keep its beautiful green. Do you remember what Uncle Lewis did to the Griswolds’ tree? Watering keeps the tree’s wood fresh and moist to reduce its flammability.
Stockings
We know it’s tradition but hanging stockings or anything from the fireplace’s mantle needs to be done with extreme care. It is typically recommended that you remove stockings or other objects hanging from the mantle while the fire is burning. While hanging they do not respect the 3-foot/1-meter rule and there is a risk they will ignite from the fire’s heat alone. Objects above the mantle, like a garland, are safe, so long as they do not hang down in front of the fire.
Have it Serviced and Ask Questions
Your fireplace is a central part of Christmas and the holidays. Your family will be gathering around and watching the flames while they open gifts, drink hot chocolate, and reminisce. You want to be sure your fireplace is working correctly for those moments. We recommend booking an annual service before your fireplace starts heating your home for the season.
Follow these tips and you’re sure to have a worry-free holiday. Well, as far as your fireplace is concerned. The holiday shopping is on you. We’re also happy to answer any questions you may have. You can contact us at any of our locations or through our website.
