Winter is here, which means the days are now shorter and much colder. A warm fire is a perfect way to warm up and get cozy in the evening, especially in New Mexico. Although these fires are nice to enjoy, they can be dangerous if not contained properly. Luckily, the experts at American Restoration in Albuquerque are here with a few tips on preventing chimney fires.
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), more than 20,000 residential blazes stem from chimney fires each year. One can easily avoid these home fires by taking precautions when lighting a fire.
- Get your chimney cleaned: It’s important to get your chimney cleaned before you plan on using your fireplace. Annual cleaning and inspection by a certified chimney sweep will help keep your chimney in safe working condition.
- Prevent buildup: Prevent buildup by keeping the fireplace doors open, keeping the damper open wide, and using seasoned wood.
- Cover your fireplace: Using a fireplace screen is a great idea. The screen can help prevent embers from jumping out and igniting household items near the fireplace.
- Do not leave a fire burning: This may seem like common sense, but never leave a fire unattended.
- Dispose of ashes safely: Any ashes leftover after a fire should be disposed of in a metal container with a lid and placed away from your home.
As you can see, home fires from your chimney are preventable with a few easy steps. When it comes to fire, safety should come first. If something goes wrong and you experience fire damage to your home, reach out to American Restoration. We are available 24/7 for your home emergencies.
