Last 2020, the United States saw an estimated 1.4 million fires. These fires were responsible for 3,500 civilian fire deaths and 15,200 civil fire injuries. The cost of property damage was estimated to be $21.9 billion. A fire department responded on average to a fire in the US every 23 seconds.
With such numbers, the best proactive solution is fire prevention, especially when starting a fire in a fireplace or anywhere else at home.
Common Causes of Fire
The leading cause of home fires in the US is heating equipment. Heating equipment was responsible for one in seven home structure fires (14%) in 2014-2018. It also caused one-fifth (19%) home fire deaths, one in seven injuries (12%), and 15% of direct property damage from home fires in 2014.-2018.
Different types of heating equipment involved in home fires include:
1. Heaters
Heating equipment fires were the most common cause of death and injury in home fires. Heaters accounted for over two-thirds of all home fires. Over half of direct property damage resulting from home heating fires was also caused by space heaters.
2. Fireplaces and Chimneys
Nearly three-quarters of the ten fires were ignited by heating equipment. This included fireplaces and chimneys (29%). These were classified as “confined fires”, which are small and don’t extend beyond the chimney. Fireplaces and chimneys were responsible for a lower number of deaths (9%) than their counterparts. However, it is vital to use preventive measures when starting a fire in a fireplace.
3. Other Heating Equipment
The other major types of heating equipment involved in heating equipment fires at home included central heating systems, water heaters, and water heaters. Each accounts for about one in ten heating equipment fires. These fires caused a smaller percentage of deaths, injuries, and property damage.
Fireplace Safety Tips to Avoid Fire
In 2014 – 2018, approximately three out of ten home fires that involved heating equipment used chimneys or fireplaces. Most of these fires were in chimneys or fireplaces that used a solid fuel source. Only a small percentage of fires involved equipment that was gas-fueled or electric.
One of the major causes of chimney fire is the lighting of creosote. It is a highly combustible by-product of wood fires and can build up on chimney walls. It is important to inspect and maintain chimneys annually to reduce fire risk from creosote buildup. While most chimney fires are confined fire incidents, these fires can pose a problem for firefighters.
Thus, preventing a fire from happening is the most feasible solution to prevent damage caused by fire. Get to know these practical fireplace tips for a safer home.
1. Install a carbon monoxide detector.
Fireplace safety should be a priority at home. As such, installing a carbon monoxide detector should not be limited to your fireplace. It should also be installed throughout the different areas of your home.
A carbon monoxide detector could be the only sign that the chimney’s exhaust is not being expelled. It can also detect any other gases built up in the house from incomplete combustion. If there is a leak in the flue or chimney, the alarm will sound. It should be tested monthly to ensure it works when using a fireplace.
2. Add fireplace safety screens and gates.
Even with the best woods, embers can still escape from a fireplace. These are dangerous for homeowners. Fireplace safety screens, also known as fireplace safety gates, are fire-safe barriers preventing embers from leaving the fireplace. Putting up one won’t diminish the beauty of your fireplace. There are many options for fire screens, and you can pick one that matches your house’s interiors.
It is important to ensure that the ornament is fire-resistant to assure fireplace safety. This is an important safety feature that you and your family need, especially if you have children or pets.
If fireplace screens are not practical, homeowners should keep a water-based fire extinguisher near the flames, especially when starting a fire in a fireplace.
3. Know when to use hardwood and softwood logs.
Wood with a high moisture level is softwood or unseasoned logs. They are affordable and provide enough heat, but they pose a high risk for homeowners. When burning softwood logs, creosote or soot can quickly build up and cause severe damage to homes.
When using a fireplace, opt for hardwood logs to prevent creosote from building up in fireplaces. These logs have been dried and treated with chemicals to reduce moisture content.
It is important that homeowners purchase dried wood and hardwood logs only from a trusted provider. It ensures no soot traces as hardwood logs are generally delivered as kiln-dried.
4. Keep handy a fireplace cleaning log.
Chimney sweeping logs are made of a special wood specifically designed to clean your chimneys. These logs are often called “chimney sweeping” or “creosote cleaning.” They can be used as an emergency solution when you don’t have the time to do manual cleaning using soap, water, and other tools.
It is easy to light it like a piece of firewood. It does not require electricity, so there is no need to run extension cords throughout your house. It can be placed where you would usually burn wood, and it will do what it is supposed to.
Because it uses heat rather than chemicals, it’s great for clearing out those annoying cobwebs. You’ll save both time and energy by not having to climb ladders or crawl through tight spaces.
It also saves money. You only have to buy one fireplace cleaner. This means that you’ll have less mess and clutter in your home.
A fireplace cleaner prevents the possibility of clogs, which could lead to more serious problems.
5. Do annual cleaning maintenance.
Fireplace safety should be a priority of every homeowner. Doing a regular inspection and cleaning creates safe fireplaces.
A complete chimney sweep should be done every five to seven years, depending on how often the fireplace is used.
A fireplace shovel or bristled brush is a great tool to have on hand for basic equipment. These tools make it easy to clean up any soot or ash that has accumulated.
6. Follow a pre-planned escape route in case of fire.
Create and follow a pre-planned escape route in case of fire. You can quickly and safely evacuate a place from the closest exit.
7. When fire accidentally occurs, act fast and safely.
To stop a fire in your fireplace safely, spread the wood and embers to put out the fire. Although this may take some time, the flames will eventually stop. Use a fireplace shovel or a shovel to place the wood and embers with cool ash. Cover it with baking soda to extinguish any remaining embers when the fire ceases. Scoop out the ashes a few hours or even the next day and place them in an aluminum ash container.
Fireplace Safety Tips for Other Types of Fireplaces
House fires cause serious harm to the family. Even small fires that are quickly extinguished often cause thousands of dollars in damage. It is important to have a good insurance policy to protect against financial loss from a house fire. However, it is better to avoid fires and consider these other fireplace types and fireplace safety tips.
1. Electric Fireplace
The electric fireplace is a safe and convenient way to heat your house. These fireplaces provide a warm, comfortable heat, and you don’t have to worry about burning yourself or getting too close to open flames.
Electric fireplaces are free from harmful fumes and gas leaks. Electric fireplaces don’t have a forced-air system that blows dusty allergens from old pipes or vents into your home. This means your indoor air quality will improve, and your family will be able to breathe clean, fresh air.
An electric fireplace is safe for families with pets and children because it maintains heat at a low level. So fireplace safety is in check.
2. Gas Fireplace
Gas fireplaces have become very popular in recent years. Gas fireplaces provide warmth and ambiance while conserving energy. However, gas fireplaces can also be dangerous.
Gas fireplaces can emit carbon monoxide, which can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, and even death. Carbon monoxide poisoning may occur if a gas fireplace is misused or when the venting system becomes blocked or damaged. Also, improper maintenance could lead to soot buildup inside the unit. The homeowner should call a professional technician to fix the problem when it happens.
Because fireplace safety comes first, consider a direct vent model of a gas fireplace. This means that potentially dangerous gases are kept inside the fireplace and not released into your home.
Fireplace Tips for the Chimney
Chimney fires can become dangerously large. Chimney safety is the best way to prevent these types of fires. You must act quickly if a fire happens in your chimney. Keep a water-based fire extinguisher handy for fire chimney safety.
1. Install a smoke detector above the chimney.
Place a smoke detector above your chimney to create safe fireplaces. Smoke detectors detect changes in the air pressure due to rising hot gases. The alarm will sound if the pressure changes quickly.
2. Install a chimney cap.
A chimney cap is a great way to protect your chimney flue and create safe fireplaces. The chimney cap is designed to fit snugly and prevent debris from falling inside. Make sure to verify the compatibility of your new chimney liner with your brickwork. It is a good idea to match the thicknesses of bricks on your chimney wall with the thickness of the liner. If you have 6-inch bricks, the chimney liner should not be thicker than 3 inches.
Finally, it is a smart idea to have your chimney inspected every year if you are burning more than one cord per year.
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