State Fire Marshal’s Office gives tips on fireplace, chimney safety

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding people about fireplace and chimney safety as the days grow shorter and nighttime temperatures cool. 

Chimney fires can result in the loss of a person’s home, as well as injury or death, if the chimney is not properly maintained, stated a news release. Almost half of all heating-related fires happen in the months of December, January and February. Over 22,000 fires related to home heating are reported on average in the United States. 

The main cause of chimney fires is a failure to clean the creosote that builds up in the chimney, stated the release. 

“Creosote is the by-products of combustion left in your chimney walls and is highly combustible,” stated the release. “If it builds up in sufficient quantities, and the internal flue temperature of your chimney is high enough, the result could end up being a chimney fire.”

The Fire Marshal’s Office released some safety tips for fireplaces. They include: 

• Chimneys should be cleaned and inspected every other year by a qualified professional depending on the frequency of use.
• Only use newspaper and kindling wood or fire starters to start a fire. Do not use flammable liquids such as lighter fluid, kerosene, gel, ethanol fuel or gasoline.
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood, which is cleaner for the environment and builds up less creosote in the chimney. 
• Flammable items like stacked wood, blankets or decorations should be kept three feet away from the fireplace. Children, pets and items hanging down from the hearth should also follow the three foot rule.
• Use a metal or glass screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out during use.
• Put the fire out before going to sleep or leaving the home.
• Put any burned ashes in a metal container with a lid outside and at least three feet from your home.

“According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 150 people die on average per year from carbon monoxide poisoning related to the use of fireplaces when the chimney flue isn’t working correctly due to the malfunctions caused by the lack of maintenance,” stated the release. 

The release stated the Washington State Department of Health reported there were 44 deaths attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning from 2016 to 2020. 

If the chimney flue isn’t operational, the state Department of Health recommends opening a window for a fresh supply of air. They also urge people to install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms inside of homes.

“There is nothing like sitting by a cozy fire in your home on a cold night, so it is important to ensure you maintain your fireplace and chimney and practice fire safety when using them,” stated the release.  

For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3929.