PRESS RELEASE

Marthasville Volunteer Fire Department

405 Main Street

Marthasville Mo. 63357

Office: 636-433-2240

Fireplace Fire Safety

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Contact: Asst. Fire Chief Buddy Gildehaus

Marthasville Volunteer Fire Department.

Thanksgiving is upon us and the temperatures have dropped which means it’s time for that first fire of the season in your fireplace. For fire crews this will most likely mean that we will encounter some of the first fireplace related house fires of the season. In an effort to avoid the type of misfortune that can put a damper on your holiday season, the Marthasville Volunteer Fire Department would like to remind you of the following fireplace safety tips:

1) Have your fireplace insert and flue cleaned and checked by a professional.

2) Never leave a fire unattended.

3) Clear the area around the fire place.

4) Use a screen to keep sparks in and children out.

5) Do not burn trash in the fireplace e.g. wrapping paper or cardboard.

6) It is recommended that you use a hardwood (oak, hickory, ash, etc.) because it burns cleaner than softwoods (fir, pine, cedar, etc.).

7) Use seasoned wood as opposed to freshly cut green wood.

8) Place ashes in a metal container away from the home.

9) Keep fires small and comfortable as opposed to a large raging fire that can crack a flue.

10) Leave glass fireplace doors open while a fire is burning.

11) DO NOT use liquid fuels to help start a fire.

12) Make sure the damper on the flue is open.

13) If you have a gas fire place, have it inspected at the same time you have all other gas appliances inspected.

14) Make sure all smoke detectors in your home work.

15) Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm.

16) Practice a fire exit drill.

Following these tips will help to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time with family and friends around a warm and comfortable fire.