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Lounging in front of a crackling wood fire is a great way to relax on a cold winter's evening. But what happens to the fire when you go to bed? Who's going to make sure sparks don't fly out of the fireplace and set your house on fire?
Bart Tyler, owner of Kelloggs & Lawrence hardware store in Katonah, N.Y., says that installing fireplace doors offers homeowners the best protection against flying sparks. "Close the doors at night when the fire has died down," he says. Keeping the doors closed when you're not burning a fire will save energy by preventing heat from being lost up the chimney. Some fireplaces have a weak draft, he adds, which can cause smoky odors in the home. Fireplace doors can help prevent the fireplace smoking at the beginning and end of a fire.
Tyler carries several brands of fireplace doors, all of which are made-to-order since fireplaces come in all shapes and sizes. He encourages customers to come into the store to select from the 15 different styles and 20 finish options. "The most popular look nowadays is iron," he says.
If you prefer the look of an open fireplace and aren't concerned about energy loss, a fire screen will offer protection from sparks or falling logs. Owners of extra-large fireplaces should take a look at a new style of screen with built-in doors that allow access to the fire without having to move the screen.
The incorrect disposal of wood ashes can be a serious matter. This was the cause of a recent fire in Stamford, Conn. that destroyed a home and killed five people. Ashes must be placed in a metal ash can and stored outdoors until they are completely cold, a process that can take several days. Keep ashes away from anything combustible, such as old paint cans or cleaning supplies. And never store cooling ashes in the garage.
Next time you light a fire at home, keep these safety tips in mind. You don't want that relaxing evening turning into a nighttime tragedy.
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