Fireplace & Chimney Safety Reminders

Before you kick off the holiday season, we encourage you to review these fireplace and chimney safety reminders with your family. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your home warm and safe this winter.

1. Schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection.

If you haven’t done so already, schedule your annual chimney cleaning and inspection so we can check for creosote buildup, cracks, blockages, or other hazards that could make your fireplace unsafe. Starting the season with a clean, well-maintained chimney not only protects your home but also helps your fireplace operate more efficiently.

2. Only burn seasoned firewood.

Fresh-cut or damp wood produces heavy smoke and accelerates creosote buildup in the chimney. Stick with well-seasoned hardwoods—such as oak, birch, or maple—for a hotter, cleaner burn that helps keep your chimney healthier throughout the winter.

3. Keep holiday décor at a safe distance.

Garlands, stockings, and other festive decorations look great around the hearth, but they should never be too close to the flames. Keep all décor at least three feet away to prevent accidental ignition.

4. Toss—don’t burn— your wrapping paper.

Wrapping paper burns too quickly and can send embers up the flue, potentially igniting creosote deposits. Dyed and inked paper can also release harmful fumes. Toss your gift wrap in the trash or recycling bin instead.

5. Never leave a fire unattended.

While it may be tempting to walk away from a dwindling fire, never leave your fireplace unattended until the flames and embers are fully extinguished. 

Tip:  Spread the coals with your fireplace tools so they cool more quickly.

6. Don’t overfill your firebox.

Well-meaning guests may try to add extra logs to “keep the fire going,” but too much fuel can create excessive heat and stress your chimney system. Overloaded fires increase creosote production and can damage brick or mortar. A moderate, controlled fire is safer and just as enjoyable.

7. Dispose of ashes safely.

Because fireplace ashes can retain heat well after the flames have disappeared, it’s essential to remove and store them properly. Reminder:  Always place ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Be sure to store it away from your home, garage, or any other structure that could catch fire.

8. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working and replace batteries as needed. Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach and make sure everyone at home knows its location and how to use it.

9. Get a fireplace screen.

If you don’t have one already, place a screen in front of your fireplace to contain sparks and keep children and pets a safe distance from the hearth.

Stay Warm and Safe This Season

Following these fireplace and chimney safety tips will help keep your family and guests warm and safe this holiday season. If you have questions or need to schedule an annual chimney cleaning and inspection, contact our CSIA-certified chimney experts at Admiralty Chimney. We proudly serve homeowners in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts.

Prevent Home Fires with Proper Chimney Use and Care

October is Fire Prevention Month, the perfect time to review some important chimney safety tips from the certified experts at Admiralty Chimney. 

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, over 25,000 chimney fires occur across the US each year.

Why Chimney Safety Matters

If you’re not properly maintaining and using your chimney and fireplace, your next fire could quickly go from cozy to catastrophic. Please take a moment to review these chimney and fireplace safety tips and contact us if you have any questions.

Top Tips for Chimney and Fireplace Safety

1. Schedule an annual chimney inspection.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommend that all chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once* a year. During your annual inspection, our certified technicians will check for chimney blockages, damage, and creosote buildup that can cause a fire or carbon monoxide leaks.

*This guideline applies even if you don’t use your chimney very often.

2. Keep your chimney clean.

If your inspection reveals any buildup, schedule a professional chimney cleaning before using your fireplace for the season. Routine sweeping removes soot and creosote that could easily ignite.

3. Burn the right type of wood.

Avoid burning wet or green wood, as it produces excessive smoke and sticky creosote. Use seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple, or birch for cleaner, hotter, and safer fires.

>LEARN MORE: How to Select and Store Firewood 

4. Know what NOT to burn in your fireplace.

In addition to unseasoned hardwood, here is a list of what not to burn in your fireplace:

• Cardboard

• Colored Paper

• Seasonal Decorations and Wrappings

• Wet Firewood

• Christmas Trees and Other Evergreen Wood

• Garbage

• Fresh Fruit Peels

• Dryer Lint

5. Install a Chimney Cap

A chimney cap prevents birds, leaves, and other debris from entering your flue, reducing blockages and keeping out rain or snow that can damage your chimney’s interior.

6. Use a Fireplace Screen or Door

A sturdy fireplace screen or glass door stops sparks and embers from escaping into your living space, protecting your flooring and furnishings from stray flames.

7. Keep Decorations and Furniture at a Safe Distance

It’s important to remember that heat radiating from a fireplace or chimney can ignite nearby materials. Always keep decorations, curtains, and furniture at least three feet away from your hearth or chimney area. This is especially important during the holidays, when garlands, stockings, and other flammable decorations are often placed too close to the fire.

8. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

No matter how well you maintain your chimney, working smoke and CO detectors are essential. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year for reliable protection.

Chimney Cleanings and Inspections in Southern NH

Admiralty Chimney offers chimney inspections and cleanings for homeowners in Merrimack, Amherst, Nashua, and surrounding communities. Schedule your annual inspection and cleaning today!

About Admiralty Chimney

For over 20 years, Admiralty Chimney has served the chimney maintenance and repair needs of homeowners in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. We have outstanding Google reviews and hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Get Your Fireplace and Chimney Ready for the Burning Season

As the temperatures begin to drop here in New England, many homeowners are eager to light the first fire of the season. But before you strike that match, it’s important to make sure your fireplace and chimney are safe, clean, and ready to use. Here’s what you need to do:

Schedule a Professional Chimney Inspection

A yearly inspection is essential for spotting issues like creosote buildup, blockages, or structural damage. Admiralty Chimney follows National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards to ensure your system is safe and efficient. Schedule early in the season to avoid the rush.

>READ MORE:  Everything You Should Know About Chimney Inspections

Get a Chimney Sweep

Even a thin layer of creosote is a fire hazard. A professional cleaning removes this highly flammable material, along with leaves, twigs, or bird nests that can block airflow and cause smoke to back up into your home.

Check Your Fireplace Components

Inspect your damper to ensure it opens and closes smoothly, examine your firebox for cracks, and make sure your chimney cap is secure to keep out animals and debris.

Clear the Area Around Your Fireplace

For safety reasons, move any rugs, curtains, furniture, or decorative items at least three feet away from your fireplace. Note:  These items should be moved even if you have a fireplace screen.

Address Any Needed Masonry Work

If your chimney’s masonry is in need of repair, schedule any required work before the temperatures get too low. Mortar cures best on warm, dry days. Cracked, stained, or missing bricks and crumbling mortar joints are all signs of masonry trouble. If you’re seeing any of these signs of masonry damage, please contact our office, and we’ll come take a look at your chimney.

Consider Waterproofing Your Chimney

Protect your chimney from the winter freeze-thaw cycle with professional waterproofing. “Many of our customers are surprised to learn that water, not fire, is the leading cause of chimney damage,” says John Butler, a CCP-Certified Master Chimney Technician and owner of Admiralty Chimney. 

>LEARN MORE:  The dangers of water damage and the benefits of waterproofing your chimney.

Chimney Cleanings and Inspections in Southern NH and Northern MA

By preparing now, you can enjoy a warm, cozy, and worry-free burning season. Contact Admiralty Chimney to schedule your chimney inspection and cleaning. Your safety and comfort are always our top priority.

About Admiralty Chimney

For over 20 years, Admiralty Chimney has served the chimney maintenance and repair needs of homeowners in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. An award-winning chimney service company, we have outstanding Google reviews and hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.