Fernie Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents about wood stove and fireplace safety during Fire Prevention Week as cooler temperatures bring the return of home heating season.
Wood stoves and fireplaces are common sources of heat in Fernie, but improper maintenance, creosote buildup and unsafe burning practices can create serious fire hazards.
Before lighting the first fire of the season, Fernie Fire and Emergency Services encourages homeowners to take a few important precautions to protect their homes and families.
Have Your Chimney Inspected and Cleaned
Schedule an annual professional inspection of your chimney, flue and wood-burning appliance.
Creosote, a combustible residue produced when wood burns, can accumulate inside chimneys and ignite, potentially spreading fire into the attic, walls or roof.
Do not wait for warning signs such as strong smoky odours or unusual roaring sounds. A qualified chimney professional can identify dangerous buildup, blockages and other safety concerns before the heating season begins.
Burn Only Dry, Seasoned Firewood
Wet, green or freshly cut wood produces excessive smoke and contributes to creosote accumulation.
Use properly seasoned firewood that has been split, stacked and dried, typically for at least six months, depending on the wood species and storage conditions.
Dry firewood burns more efficiently, produces more usable heat and helps reduce chimney deposits.
Keep Garbage Out of Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, plastics or household garbage in a fireplace or wood stove.
These materials can burn unpredictably, release harmful emissions and send burning embers into the chimney, potentially igniting creosote deposits.
Use only appropriate firewood and approved fire-starting materials.
Check Chimney Caps and Fireplace Screens
Ensure your chimney has a properly fitted cap and spark arrester to help prevent debris, rain and animals from entering the flue.
For open fireplaces, use a sturdy metal mesh screen to prevent sparks and embers from escaping onto nearby flooring, carpets or furnishings.
Wood stove doors should remain securely closed during operation, except when loading fuel or tending the fire.
What to Do if a Chimney Fire Starts
A chimney fire can develop quickly and may spread beyond the chimney into the surrounding structure.
Warning signs can include a loud roaring or rumbling sound, dense smoke entering the home or sparks and flames shooting from the chimney.
If you suspect a chimney fire:
Evacuate immediately. Make sure everyone leaves the building safely.
Call 911. Contact emergency services from outside the home.
Close appliance doors and air controls only if safe. Do not delay evacuation to attempt to control the fire.
Stay outside. Do not re-enter until firefighters have declared the building safe.
Make Fire Safety Part of Your Fall Routine
Along with chimney maintenance, residents should check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, keep combustible materials away from heating appliances and ensure everyone in the household knows how to evacuate during an emergency.
Fernie Fire and Emergency Services reminds residents that a few simple precautions before the heating season can significantly reduce the risk of a home fire.
