During the winter months, many people use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances to heat their homes. Heating fires account for 36 percent of residential fires in rural areas each year. These fires are often due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. The U.S. Fire Administration encourages these steps and more to keep your home fires burning safely:- Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned yearly by a certified chimney specialist;
- Leave glass doors open while burning a fire to prevent creosote buildup; and
- Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.
Do you know how to properly build and maintain a fire to heat your home?
