Preventing Fireplaces Sparks From Setting Your Home On Fire

We can enjoy our fireplace so much at certain times of the year. It is always so relaxing in the winter time to have one going in the evenings. When you least expect it, that is when it happens. Without a moments notice, that spark pops out over the protective screen that we should all have and starts a smoldering fire. It is this easy to happen when there is a fire in your fireplace. Sometimes this unexpected popping of sparks happens when burn things or start the fire with things you are not supposed and it to can lead to disaster.

When it is that time of the year to open up the fireplace and get cozy, always be sure to use the proper material to start it with. Never use any type of liquid material like gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, or even charcoal starter to help you get it going. This will only leave a nasty smell in the home, but it also can start the one type of fire you want to avoid. Never use any type of plastic material or glossy printed color paper because these things will not burn well in the first place and they give off toxic fumes for another. When plastic begins to melt, it will stick to the wood and if it pops out,well we all know how hot plastic burns any kind of cloth or furniture.

Always have the right material to start a fire with, like small starter strips of wood. Which now you can purchase almost anywhere at the the end of fall. Use small sticks or branches from your yard, they are free and sometimes plentiful if you have a lot of trees. You can use old newspaper or writing paper as a base starter, then add your twigs or wood strips. This will get your fire started safely so you can add your logs.

If you are one to lay down for a nap in front of the fireplace, you definitely want to invest in a screen that has a complete cover that actually touches the wall of the fireplace or use glass doors made for a fireplace. This will make taking a nap much more peaceful knowing that no sparks can possibly jump out and ignite something while you are sleeping. Just by following these couple of simple guidelines you can keep the fire in the place where it is supposed to be.

Never forget to have your chimney cleaned and the fireplace inspected each year before you use it. Many home fires are caused each year because a fireplace chimney can have creosote build up inside that is highly flammable. Fireplaces are only enjoyable when they are not burning up your house.