Authorities stress fireplace safety

By DAILY SOUND STAFF — Nov. 19, 2009

As weather turns colder in the winter months, local fire and air quality officials are urging homeowners with wood stoves and fireplaces to use caution and follow a series of fireplace safety tips.

Among the suggestions made by authorities is using a gas log if possible. Residents who choose to burn wood should select dry, seasoned wood that sounds hollow when hit against a solid object. Wood that has been painted or treated with any substance should not be burned in a fireplace.

Small, hot fires are more effective and safer than large, smoldering blazes, fire officials said, noting that large flames can start chimney fires or cause wall and roofing materials to overheat.

Trash such as holiday greens, plastic, wrapping paper, magazines or colored papers should never be burned, as they can release poisonous chemicals. Burning charcoal or coal can also cause a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide.

Artificial fire logs should not be treated the same as regular wood logs. Artificial logs are typically made of sawdust and wax, authorities said, and users should follow the directions on the package carefully.

“Do not stack artificial logs, use just one log at a time and never add an artificial log to a natural wood fire that is already burning,” according to a news release from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. “Do not poke artificial logs because the flaming wax could stick to the poker and drop onto the floor or carpet. Poking an artificial log could also cause a flare-up.”

Fire officials also advised residents to have their chimneys cleaned regularly to avoid a buildup of creosote that could trigger a chimney fire.

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