Using a Fireplace Safely

Reading a good book in front of the fireplace while enjoying the crackling sound of burning logs and watching flames dance, isn’t it a wonderful way to reconcile with the cold season? Whether burning gas or wood, fireplaces are a much appreciated source of heat by Quebecers. However, to get the most out of your backup heating system, you must be able to use it safely.

Wood burning fireplaces and stoves

Ensure the fireplace or stove is properly installed. Call upon the Association des professionnels du chauffage (APC) for advice from experts who will check that your equipment is up to standard. You can also have your local fire department check your installation.
Have the chimney swept by a certified specialist at least once a year.
Make sure your smoke detector and your carbon monoxide detector are working properly.
Clear the area around the fireplace or wood stove: keep away any flammable materials (extra logs, newspaper, etc.).
Start by burning one sheet of newspaper: this will preheat the chimney and help avoid smoke spillage.
Never start a fire using flammable liquids such as gasoline or lighter fluid.
Burn only small quantities of wood at a time because overheating is a major fire hazard. It is wiser to burn small, bright fires using dry wood.
If you must use wet wood, split the wood into small pieces and mix it with some dry wood.
A smoking fireplace or stove is extremely dangerous as it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If this occurs, open a window and stop using the unit immediately.
Keep the damper open until the ashes are cool enough to touch.
Deposit cool ashes in a metal container and take it outside the house. Empty the container in the yard away from the balcony, trees and shrubs.

Gas burning fireplaces

Installation and repairs of a gas fireplace must be made by an expert only. Have it inspected every year.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance at all times.
A carbon monoxide detector is essential with a gas fireplace. Make sure to choose a detector bearing the seal of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or the Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada (ULC).
If the pilot flame goes out, don’t light it back up right away to allow the gas to evaporate. It is recommended to wait at least 5 minutes or to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If noticing unusual odours or flames, call a technician or your retailer immediately. In the presence of persistent gas odours even when the fireplace is turned off, call the gas company or your local emergency services.
Don’t use a gas fireplace with glass doors if the glass is cracked or broken.
Never clean your fireplace when it is burning or still warm to the touch.

Statistics from the Ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec show that more than one third of residential fires are the result of chimney fires. Between 2003 and 2005, faulty operation of a heating unit or cooking appliance accounted for more than half of residential fires. Whatever the type of backup heating system you use, you should be very careful: never leave a fire unattended or if you are going to bed, keep a fire extinguisher close by and keep your children safely away from the heat source.