Fireplace Fire Damage: 5 Tips to Prevent Fireplace Fires

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to combat any amount of fire damage.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties want to ensure that you and your family are safe this fireplace season. 

Fireplaces are a cozy addition to any home in the fall and winter, but they can also be dangerous if not used safely. The professionals at SERVPRO have seen the first-hand effects of fireplace fire damage and want to ensure that the residents of the North Georgia Counties avoid any possibility of a fireplace fire in their homes.

The following blog post will cover our top five favorite tips on how a property owner can avoid a fireplace fire and what steps they should take in the event that a fireplace fire does occur. However, before we get started, we must mention that it is best to contact fire restoration professionals immediately after experiencing fire damage. 

The dangers of fireplace fires

Fireplace fires are one of the leading causes of residential fires in the United States. A fireplace fire can cause extensive damage to your home and, in some cases, even may be catastrophic. Many things can contribute to a fireplace fire, but some causes are more common than others. The following outlines the most popular reasons for a fireplace fire:

1. Burning materials other than wood- One of the most common fireplace fire hazards is burning materials other than wood in your fireplace. Avoid burning paper, leaves, and trash. While it might be tempting to burn these items in your fireplace, it is best to avoid them, as they can easily ignite and cause a fire.
2. Not using a fireplace screen- A fireplace screen is designed to keep embers and sparks from flying out of the fireplace and landing on nearby combustible materials. If you do not have a fireplace screen, keep a close eye on the fireplace while it is in use.
3. Creosote build-up- Creosote is a flammable substance that builds up inside your chimney. If not removed, it can easily ignite and cause a fireplace fire. Be sure to have your chimney cleaned regularly to avoid build-up.

Five tips to prevent fireplace fires

Now that we have covered the dangers of fireplace fires, let's look at some tips for preventing them.

1. Use a fireplace screen- As we mentioned before, fireplace screens are designed to keep embers and sparks from flying out of the fireplace. Be sure to use one whenever you have a fire in your fireplace.
2. Only burn dry wood- Wet or green wood is one of the leading causes of fireplace fires. This type of wood contains a high amount of moisture, which can cause it to ignite quickly and produce a lot of smoke. Be sure only to burn dry, seasoned wood in your fireplace.
3. Minimize creosote build-up- As we mentioned before, creosote is a flammable substance that can build up inside your chimney. To avoid this hazard, be sure to have your chimney cleaned regularly.
4. Schedule annual chimney inspections- A yearly chimney inspection can help identify any potential fireplace hazards before they have a chance to cause a fire. 
5. Install a chimney cap- A chimney cap is designed to keep debris and animals out of your chimney. A chimney cap has proven to help prevent a fireplace fire from starting in the first place.

What to do in the event of a fireplace fire?

In the event that a fireplace fire does occur, it is essential to take the following steps:

Step 1: Evacuate your home immediately- The first step is to evacuate your home immediately. Be sure to leave all of your belongings behind and get out safely.

Step 2: Call the local fire department once you are safely out of your home.

Step 3: Contact your insurance company- After you have evacuated your home and contacted the fire department, be sure to contact your insurance company. They will be able to help you with the next steps in the claims process.

Step 4: Contact a reliable restoration company- Once the fire is extinguished and you have contacted your insurance company, it is essential to contact a dependable restoration company. They will be able to help you restore your home back to its preloss condition.

SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties can help when disaster strikes!

We hope you enjoyed learning about fireplace safety and what to do in the event of a fireplace fire.

When a fireplace fire occurs, acting quickly and contacting a reliable restoration company is essential. SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties has the training and experience necessary to restore your home back to its preloss condition. 

Our fire damage services include:

• Board-ups
• Contents cleaning
• Smoke and odor removal
• Structural repairs

We understand that fireplace fires can be stressful, and when you choose to hire us, we promise to work quickly and efficiently to get your home back to normal. So do not hesitate to contact us when you have experienced a fireplace fire! We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.