Help
Sign In
damage
May 2009 
Fireplace Mishaps
Posted on Dec 2nd, 2008
by 
Jessica
Jessica
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!
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!
Access: Public
