In the planning and excitement of decorating your fireplace for the coming fall and winter occasions, don’t forget fire safety. US fire departments respond to an average of 793 home structural fires yearly that begin with decorations–not including Christmas trees.
Use these fireplace safety decoration tips to reduce the chance of turning festive occasions into a disaster.
Before Decorating
Have your fireplace and chimney cleaned at least once every year–preferably in the fall before any decorations go up. Chimney fires can backdraft into the house–setting decorations, furniture, and papers on fire. Chimney fires cause flue damage that allows fire to spread into living spaces, attics, and framing.
The 3-Foot Rule
The National Fire Protection Association recommends a 3-foot safety zone around the fireplace. No decorations–even fire-resistant ones. Nothing flammable including furniture, rugs, blankets, pillows, or furnishings.
Hanging Decorations From the Mantel
Hanging decorations from the fireplace mantel is traditional in many homes. Remove every one of them before lighting the fireplace. Move them at least three feet from the fireplace. Many decorations are synthetic and ignite easily–just from the heat. Decorations can be replaced after the fire is out and residual heat dissipates.
Electrical Decorations
Ensure that any electrical decorations work. Do not hang them next to the fireplace because high heat can melt electrical components and insulation on the wires. They can short out and start an electrical fire.
Fire Resistant Decorations
Some decorations are chemically treated to make them more fire-resistant. They are not fireproof but are a safer alternative when placing decorations near the fireplace. Anyone sensitive to odors or chemical off-gassing should avoid these products.
Use a Spark Guard
Spark guards are metal mesh screens that cover the fireplace opening to prevent hot coals from exploding into the room. Exploding sap pockets can throw burning embers well beyond the three-foot safety zone. The spark screen is not as attractive as open flames. Smoldering decorations, rugs, and furniture are also not attractive.
Burning dry oak, maple, birch, hickory, and other hardwood species reduces sparks and hot coals escaping from the fireplace.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces don’t give off sparks or burning coals but they do generate a significant amount of heat. Use the same precautions with these units as with wood-burning fireplaces.
Have a Fire Extinguisher
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Make sure the contents are up to date and that it functions. Instruct everyone in the house on its location and how to use it.
