First Fire of the Season: Fireplace and Wood Stove Safety Basics

There is something special about the first fire of the season. The smell of wood smoke drifting down a New England street on a cool October evening is a sign that fall has truly arrived. For households with fireplaces or wood stoves, that first fire is also the moment to make sure everything is in working order, because chimneys and heating equipment that sat unused all summer can hide problems.

This guide covers the basics of safe wood burning for the season ahead. It is general information, not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Start With a Chimney Inspection

Fire safety organizations recommend having chimneys, fireplaces and wood stoves inspected once a year by a qualified professional, and cleaned as needed. An inspection can find:

• Creosote buildup, a sticky, flammable residue left by smoke that can cause chimney fires
• Blockages from leaves, debris or animal nests built over the summer
• Cracks or damage in the chimney liner, masonry or stove pipe
• Problems with the chimney cap, which keeps out rain, animals and debris

Fall is a busy season for chimney professionals, so it helps to call early. If you rent, ask your landlord whether the fireplace has been inspected and is approved for use. Some apartment fireplaces are decorative only and should never be used for fires.

Check Your Alarms First

Any home that burns wood should have working smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas, plus carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas produced when fuel burns, and it can build up if a chimney is blocked or a stove is not venting properly. Massachusetts requires carbon monoxide alarms in most homes with fuel-burning equipment or attached garages.

Before the first fire, press the test button on each alarm. Replace batteries as needed and check the date on the back. Smoke alarms are generally replaced every ten years, and carbon monoxide alarms according to the manufacturer’s guidance.

What to Burn, and What Not To

The type of fuel makes a big difference to both safety and air quality.

• Burn dry, seasoned hardwood. Wood that has been split and dried for many months burns hotter and cleaner, producing less creosote.
• Do not burn wet or green wood. It smokes heavily and leaves more residue in the chimney.
• Never burn trash, cardboard boxes, wrapping paper or painted or treated wood. These can release harmful fumes and create sparks or flare-ups.
• Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or similar liquids to start or revive a fire indoors.
• Use small kindling and newspaper or commercial fire starters made for fireplaces.

Set Up the Space

• Keep anything that can burn, including furniture, rugs, blankets, books and decorations, at least three feet from the fireplace or stove.
• Use a sturdy screen or glass doors to stop sparks from flying into the room.
• Keep a clear path around the hearth so no one trips near the fire.
• Create a kid-free and pet-free zone around the hearth. Stove surfaces and glass doors can stay hot long after the flames die down.
• Make sure the damper is open before lighting a fire, and leave it open until the fire is completely out.

Handle Ashes With Care

Ashes can hold enough heat to start a fire for days after they look cold. Many house fires start when ashes are emptied into a cardboard box, paper bag or plastic trash can.

1. Let ashes cool in the fireplace or stove as long as possible.
2. Scoop them into a metal container with a tight-fitting metal lid.
3. Place the container outside, on a non-combustible surface, at least ten feet from the house, decks, fences and woodpiles.
4. Do not store the ash bucket in a garage, on a porch or inside the home.

Never Leave a Fire Unattended

Before leaving the house or going to bed, make sure the fire is fully out. Close the screen or glass doors, and never leave young children alone in a room with a fire.

Gas Fireplaces and Other Heating Equipment

Gas fireplaces, pellet stoves and furnaces also benefit from an annual check by a qualified technician. Follow the manufacturer’s directions, keep vents clear of snow and debris later in the season, and make sure carbon monoxide alarms are installed and working.

Helping a Neighbor Get Ready

Older neighbors who have used a fireplace for decades may still appreciate a hand, especially with tasks that involve lifting or bending.

• Offer to carry firewood in and stack it in a safe spot, away from the hearth and not against the house siding.
• Help them schedule a chimney inspection, or share the name of a professional you trust.
• Test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms together.
• Bring over a metal ash bucket with a lid if they do not have one.
• Check in after a big storm to make sure snow or debris is not blocking outdoor vents.

First-Fire Checklist

• Chimney and stove inspected this year
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested
• Damper open and working
• Screen or doors in place
• Three feet of clear space around the hearth
• Dry, seasoned wood ready
• Metal ash container with a lid stored outside