As winter approaches, there is a growing desire and need for the use of fireplaces. However, chimneys are often neglected when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Byproducts of the burning wood in a fireplace stick to chimney walls over time. This buildup known as creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires. Please follow the below safety tips to prevent house fires related to chimneys and fireplaces:

1. Have your chimney cleaned and serviced by a qualified professional before its first use
    each winter.

2. Use seasoned wood and keep the damper open wide to minimize the buildup of
    creosote.

3. Use a fireplace screen to keep dangerous embers and sparks in the fireplace where they
    belong.

4. Do not sleep or leave the house with the fire burning.

5. Safely dispose of ashes. Once cool to the touch, ashes from a recently burned fire
    should be placed in a metal container with a lid and placed at least three feet from the
    perimeter of your home.