PSA - Fireplace Safety - Calgary Fire Department

October 10, 2012 01:18 PM Category: Fire

With Fire Prevention Week upon us and the cooler weather settling in, the Calgary Fire Department wants to remind Calgarians about safe practices surrounding the use of fireplaces.

Many people use fireplaces, wood stoves, and other fuel-fired appliances to heat their homes. The main concern when using fireplaces or wood burning stoves is the build up of toxic carbon monoxide in the home. When a wood burning fireplace is in use, air is drawn out of the home and up the fireplace chimney. This air must be replaced to maintain the ideal air-to-gas ratio that is needed to maintain safe levels.

The following are some key points to keep in mind when using wood or fuel fired appliances:

Open the damper before lighting the fire, and keep it open until the ashes are cool enough to touch.
Ensure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house.
Do not store combustible materials such as paper or wood too close to the fireplace.
Use a screen in front of the fireplace opening to protect children and to prevent embers from escaping and igniting carpets, etc.
Use dry, well-seasoned wood in small amounts.
Have chimneys cleaned and serviced at regular intervals by a professional.
Never overload your fireplace.
Never use charcoal starter fluids, gasoline or any flammable substance to start fires.
When using artificial logs, burn only one at a time and follow instructions on the wrapping.
Always place the ashes in a metal container and take them outside the house.
Never leave children alone near a fireplace.

There are upgrades available to wood burning appliances. New Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved appliances burn cleaner (up to 90 per cent less smoke) and more efficiently (use up to one third less wood).

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit:

http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Fire/Pages/Programs/Fire-Prevention-Week/Fire-Prevention-Week.aspx

Onward/Working to reduce the risk of injury, the Calgary Fire Department is committed to delivering prevention-based outreach to Calgarians and encouraging citizen responsibility and safe practices. /2020 Sustainability Direction: By 2020, The City of Calgary’s recordable injury rate is best in class for Canadian Municipalities.

-30-