Just two days ago, another fireplace mishap took place. The fire quickly extended into the walls and then rushed up to the attic. It took firefighters a half an hour to fight off the fire and the house will be lived in again after some construction. But, what a holiday season bummer.

I keep saying that this time of year brings about terrible mishaps, especially where fireplaces are concerned. Of course, there are traffic accidents this time of year because people are being driven nuts by the added stress of the holidays and the inclement weather isn't helping a bit either. Of course, candles are also a leading cause in house fires.

But, the fireplace is being used more these days for two main reasons. It's cold outside in most of the United States and family gatherings are more comfortable by the fire. So, mishaps are more of a concern.

Don't ruin your holidays over a simple oversight. Make sure you and your family are safe even when you are doing the simplest of things like having a family gathering around the fireplace. Follow these simple tips:

First, you need to make sure that the fireplace was built for actual use. Some builders have placed mock fireplaces in their homes just for decoration. Burning wood in a mock fireplace would cause smoke damage in no time...yes, this has happened.

Never use flammable fuels to light a fire inside the house. This includes gas, lighter fluid, charcoal fluid and the like. It can violently explode...yes, this has happened too.

Note: There would be no reason for me to tell you these things if someone hadn't tried them before!

Next, do not use charcoal in a fireplace. It will generate deadly fumes. This includes trash or wrappings.

Make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed at night. Never leave a fire going while you sleep.

Teach your children about the dangers associated with the fireplace and that things should not be thrown in the fire, hands should not touch the fire or anything of the like.

Good Tip: Dampen newspaper and roll them up tight. Let them dry for about two weeks. They make for great burning logs.

You could just keep yourself away from all fireplace danger with a Ventless Gel Fireplace!

Totally baffled by a French site, I happened to see a unique fireplace idea I thought I could share rather easily with everyone. But to further my research a little more, I found an English translation choice and it became more clear what I was observing. Now it' s not such an idea I "could" share, but an obligation. The Pyramid Fireplace can only be purchased in Europe.

What is my favorite solution?

That's right! Do It Yourself...

When you visit Modern Pyramid-shaped Fireplaces Inspired by Ancient Egyptian Pyramid, you'll see what I mean. Read a little more about it and all of a sudden you are thinking there's a great deal that goes into it. It has a venting system that starts with tubes at the base of the fireplace. Fumes are sucked through and dispensed below the unit.

My answer to this is a backless pyramid. Our inserts and gel fuel can do the rest. But, the backless pyramid would allow for the water that is dispensed to escape instead of having foggy windows.

Sit on a heavy metal base with four small concrete legs that are basically 1/4" thick and 1/2" in diameter. Three steel triangles with glass inserts held by metal tabs. I could draw a diagram, but you should know by now. I'll probably just write a report.

Ventless Gel Fireplace Inserts and Gel Fuel

I've been talking to several people about fireplace decorations and normally the response is the same. People d0n't really know about fireplace decorations. They just decorate with whatever and then leave it at that.

But, there is a science to it if you want to learn. The purpose of fireplace decoration is to make it stand out rather than blend in with the rest of the room. There are easy ways to make that happen.

First of all, decorations on or around the mantel should be bold and large. They attract attention. Small items do nothing at all to draw the eye to the mantel piece.

Use what I like to call "odd balance." Balance is simple when you use symmetrical layouts. But, odd balance is when you maintain balance in non-symmetrical ways. For instance, place a painting on one side of the mantel and then balance it with a plant on the other. It's odd but it works. It attracts attention.

Use sculptures that seem to make no sense. Iron sculptures that don't resemble anything always attract attention because people try to figure out what they are. Place them around the fireplace and place a stack of wood on the other side for balance.

If your mantel is old and boring, bring it to life with paint that will tone down the mantel but will provide a beautiful backdrop for your accessories. Natural tones will do perfectly.

These are some of the basics. Of course, mirrors above the mantel are traditional and plasma screens are contemporary. So, choose what best fits you and have fun.

Ventless Gel Fireplace