Fire up!

Fireplaces do more than fill your home with a glowing, cozy ambiance. These days, fireplaces and biomass stoves are becoming an integral part of your home's heating system. There's even a tax credit available for installing a biomass stove in your home. (To find out more, click here).

There is a down side—chimney fires. They are caused when the creosote that coats in your chimney catches fire. But you can avoid them and keep your family and home safe if you follow this simple advice:
• Keep your chimney clean. Have it cleaned regularly.
• Only burn dry hard wood that's been "seasoned."
• Burn hot fires. Low flames and smoldering fires create more creosote.
• Never leave a fire blazing while unattended.
• Never throw ashes from the stove or fireplace anywhere that could burn. They can start a fire even if you are sure they're all out.
• Remove all flammable materials from the stove or fireplace area—and have a reliable fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.

How to extinguish a chimney fire: If you do have a chimney fire (and you'll know because it will make a loud roaring sound), throw a glass of water in the wood stove or fireplace, keeping the flue open. The water will turn into steam and put the chimney fire out. Then shut it down.

Note: The steam may damage your chimney, so have it checked by a professional before using it again. But firefighters say many homes could be saved if people knew this quick, easy way to keep chimney fires from spreading.

Take care, stay safe and warm this winter! If you have advice or a story of your own, please register or sign in and add a comment to share with our readers.