Fireplace safety

Be sure you have your chimney inspected annually and have it cleaned, if necessary.  Use a fire screen and burn only wood in your fireplace.  When burnt, paper (including used wrapping papers) or tree boughs can break up into flaming particles that could float up your chimney and onto your roof or yard, potentially causing your home to catch fire. 

Clean needles and leaves off the roof before using a fireplace in the fall. And trim branches and other vegetation at least 10 feet from the chimney outlet. In this photo, the juniper tree is too close to the fireplace chimney. It may not be necessary to remove the entire tree, but it is recommended to get advice from your local fire district.

 

Related Resources

Outdoor Fire Safety

• Campfire Safety
• Firework Safety
• Barbecue/Grilling Safety

Indoor Fire Safety

• Smoke Alarms
• Fireplace Safety
• Cooking Fire Safety
• Electrical Fire Safety

Helpful hints

• Home, Patio and Barbecue Association: Fireplace Safety Fact Sheet
• US Fire Administration: Fireplace and Home Fire Safety
• Consumer Product Safety Commission: Fireplace Safety Tips

Air quality information:

• Jackson County: Wood Burning Advisory
• Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality: Woodburning 101