Fire Prevention Week 2024 | Safety Tips

Fire Prevention Week, which occurs this year during the week of October 6th – 12th, is an excellent time to review fireplace safety practices in the home. Here in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley communities, winter weather often brings chilly evenings. Folks in nearby mountain communities need to watch for snow and ice accumulation. While we love the warmth and ambiance that wood-burning fireplaces offer, there are also severe risks if improperly maintained.

Celebrating Fire Prevention Week in San Bernardino County, CA

At Ye Olde Brit Chimney Sweep, we are proud to be a part of this initiative, standing alongside the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Our goal is to educate homeowners about the importance of regular chimney inspections, cleaning, and repairs, a mission we’ve been dedicated to for over two decades.  

The theme of NFPA’s 2024 Fire Prevention Week is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You!” This reminds us all to take the easy and important steps to keep our homes and families safe. Verify that every bedroom has a smoke alarm, and install any missing ones, test each smoke detector monthly, and replace smoke detectors at least every ten years. 

Fireplace Safety Tips

We recommend the following fireplace safety tips to enjoy the warmth of the hearth all year.

Annual Chimney Inspections:

• Why are they important? Chimney fires are more common than you might realize. Annual inspections help identify hazards like flammable creosote buildup, cracks, leaks, and obstructions.
• How often? Fire safety experts recommend that homeowners have a thorough inspection by a qualified chimney professional annually, more often if they burn wood frequently.

Professional Chimney Cleaning:

• Creosote removal: Creosote, soot, animal nests, and other debris accumulates inside the flue. It poses fire and health risks without regular cleaning.
• When to clean: The frequency depends on factors like the type of wood you burn and how often you use your fireplace. However, a general guideline is to have a Certified Chimney Professional® thoroughly clean it at least once a year.

Burn Seasoned Firewood:

• Seasoned hardwood: Only burn dry, seasoned hardwood. It burns cleaner and hotter. Green or fresh wood produces more smoke and creosote, increasing fire risk and pollution due to its high moisture content. High-quality, sustainably sourced seasoned firewood is available locally in Southern California.
• Don’t burn Christmas trees: Never burn Christmas trees in the fireplace, as the sap is highly flammable and can cause an uncontrollable house fire.

Safe Fireplace Operation:

• Open damper: Always open the damper before lighting a fire to avoid a dangerous backdraft.
• Proper ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in the room to prevent smokey fires.
• Never leave a fireplace unattended: Always supervise a burning fire and put it out completely before leaving the house or going to bed. Don’t leave children or pets unsupervised near the fireplace or any heating appliance.
• Install a fireplace screen: A fireplace screen helps prevent sparks and embers from landing on combustible materials, like clothing, fur, and carpeting.
• Keep your distance: Enjoy the fireplace from at least three feet away. Also, trim tree limbs so they don’t hang over your roof and chimney.

Chimney Maintenance:

• Check the cap: Ensure the chimney cap is undamaged and secure. It will help keep water, animals, and leaves out of the flue. It will also help prevent downdrafts.
• Inspect the flue liner: The flue liner is vital for fire prevention. Inspect annually to ensure it’s in good condition and free of cracks. We recommend stainless steel liners for maximum performance and safety.
• Repair masonry damage: Repair cracks in the masonry and other issues to your chimney, flue, and fireplace promptly to avoid water damage, fire hazards, and exposure to toxic carbon monoxide gas.

By following these guidelines and prioritizing fireplace safety with your family, you can safely enjoy the warmth and comfort of your fireplace. 

San Bernardino Chimney Sweep Services

Stay warm and safe this winter! Ye Olde Brit Chimney Sweep is committed to providing expert chimney inspections and cleaning services. We are a California-licensed contractor, and our certified technicians have the knowledge and experience to ensure your chimney is safe, efficient, and structurally sound. Contact us to schedule an appointment online with a Certified Chimney Sweep®  today. Homeowners in Moreno Valley, Palm Springs, Riverside, San Bernardino, and communities throughout the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley have trusted Ye Olde Brit for safe, reliable, and efficient service for over two decades.