The maintenance of your chimney will make a big difference in the safety and operation of your fireplace. Chimney fires are common and highly dangerous. Chimney fires are mainly caused by tar build-up.

• Maintain a safe perimeter and keep all tree limbs and other objects at least 10 feet from the top of your chimney
• Instruct your family on the fireplace, furnace, and stove safety practices
• Retrofit a chimney cap on your existing chimney if you don’t have one
• Chimney caps should be metal with 1/2 to 3/8 openings
• Chimney caps keep leaves and animals out of your chimney and can prevent dangerous obstructions
• Use your fireplace or other warming devices per the manufacturer’s instructions
• Use appropriate fuel and If you have doubts about a particular fuel, err on the side of caution
• Greenwood dismantled furniture, and other questionable materials are not safe fuel choices
• Never put wood in a non-wood burning stove
• Build fires correctly by adding kindling or fire-logs in the back of the grate and support them, so they do not slip
• Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room
• Clear the hearth or areas surrounding your heating device
• Never keep old rags, newspaper, furniture or other objects near your stove, furnace or fireplace
• Do not leave fires unattended.