It’s that time of year when we love to cuddle up in front of a cozy fire and Haldimand County Fire Department is reminding residents of how they can safely enjoy their wood stoves and fireplaces. Knowing what to burn and how to burn it matters.

Before thinking about using your wood stove or fireplace, have your chimney inspected and cleaned. Chimney fires can burn explosively and often go undetected. If you notice the following from your chimney: a loud cracking and popping noise, a lot of dense smoke, and an intense hot smell, it may be at risk for fire and should be serviced immediately. Preventative care can reduce the risk of fire.

When using your fireplace or wood stove, use only dry seasoned wood cured for at least six months. Burning freshly cut or even partially seasoned wood will cause creosote, a highly combustible residue, to build-up which could lead to a chimney fire. Other items that cause creosote build-up and should never be burned include wrapping paper, plastic, manure, plywood, or any wood that is coated, painted, pressure-treated, wet, rotted, diseased, or moldy. In summary, only well-seasoned dry wood and kindling should be used in your fireplace or wood stove.

Here are some simple tips that can increase your fire safety:

• Always use a screen in front of the fireplace.
• Never leave children unattended by a fire.
• Have a fire escape plan for your house and review it regularly with your family.
• Keep the doors of your wood-burning appliance closed unless loading or stoking the fire.
• Keep flammable items (curtains, furniture, newspapers, books, etc.) away from your appliance.
• Regularly remove ashes into a covered metal container, stored outdoors on a non-flammable surface.
• Have your chimney, flue and appliance inspected and cleaned annually.

Why is this important? In Canada, there are approximately 2,000 fires annually that are directly linked to heat generating appliances, including wood stoves, fireplaces and chimneys. From 2010-2019, these fires lead to 377 deaths and 3,048 injuries.

Haldimand County Fire Department want your families to be safe and to remember, “No Fire is a Safe Fire.”

For more information on wood stove and fireplace safety, visit https://dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/fire-services/fire-safety-education/, or call your local fire department.