Your Home Fireplace: Keeping Warm Safely

Few things are as comforting here in the Utica area as gathering around a warm, crackling fire on a cold night. Fireplaces add ambiance, charm, and heat to a home—but they also pose significant safety risks if not properly maintained and used.

Each year, thousands of house fires, injuries, and even carbon monoxide poisoning incidents are traced back to fireplaces and chimneys. By taking the right precautions, homeowners can enjoy their hearth safely while protecting their property and loved ones.

Schedule Regular Fireplace Inspections and Cleaning
A fireplace is only as safe as the chimney attached to it. Over time, creosote—a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood—builds up along chimney walls. If left unchecked, creosote can ignite and cause a devastating chimney fire.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends having chimneys, fireplaces, and vents inspected at least once a year by a certified professional. Annual cleanings also remove blockages such as bird nests, leaves, or other debris that could restrict airflow and increase the risk of smoke and carbon monoxide backing into your home.

Burn the Right Wood
Not all wood burns the same. To reduce smoke and creosote buildup, always use seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple, or birch, which burn hotter and cleaner.

Avoid burning softwoods such as pine, which produce more creosote, or any wood that’s wet or green.

Never toss in painted, stained, or pressure-treated wood, as these release toxic fumes. Household trash, cardboard, and plastics are also unsafe, as they can spark flare-ups or emit harmful chemicals.

Use Proper Hearth and Equipment
A sturdy fireplace screen or glass door is essential to keep embers, sparks, and rolling logs from escaping into the room. Firewood should be stacked neatly inside the firebox, leaving space for air circulation. Keep a metal ash bucket nearby to safely collect ashes after each fire, and allow them to cool completely before disposal.

Always have a working fire extinguisher in the same room as the fireplace, and make sure everyone in the household knows how to use it.

Protect Against Carbon Monoxide and Smoke
Incomplete combustion can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home, especially near bedrooms.

Smoke detectors are equally critical and should be tested monthly. Make sure your chimney has a proper cap installed to prevent downdrafts, which can pull smoke and gases back into the living space.

Maintain Safe Practices in and Around Your Fireplace
Never leave a fire unattended, especially overnight. Keep flammable materials—such as rugs, curtains, and furniture—at least three feet away from the fireplace.

Always supervise children and pets around an active fire. Use fireplace tools instead of your hands to adjust logs, and keep fires small and manageable to prevent overheating your chimney.

Of course, if anything does go wrong, your homeowners insurance coverage from Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig, Inc. is there for you. We suggest you call us with questions or concerns about coverage amounts on your building and contents.

The upshot: fireplaces can bring warmth and joy to any home, but they require respect and responsibility. By keeping up with annual inspections, burning safe materials, and following basic fire-safety practices, homeowners can reduce risks while enjoying the cozy atmosphere a fireplace provides.

A little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring that the glow from your fireplace remains a source of comfort, not danger.

Until next time,

Your SZW Team

SZW Insurance is your Utica area Trusted Choice™ independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000. Or request a quote here.