Fireplace Ashes Disposal
Woodstoves, fireplaces, and outdoor fire pits are becoming more popular and with this, there is an increased risk of accidental fires from the improper disposal of these ashes. Each year there are several fires caused by hot coals or ashes from wood & pellet stoves, grills, fireplaces, and fire pits. The fact is that hot ashes and coals from fires can stay hot for many days after the fire is out. The time will vary on how hot the fire was, what was burning, and how much unburned fuel remains. To keep it safe, treat all ashes and coals as they are hot even though you think they may have had enough time to cool.
To properly dispose of ashes or coals, we recommend the following:
* If possible, allow the ashes to cool where the fire was for several days. These items are designed to contain their heat safely.
* Transfer ashes to a metal container when it is necessary to dispose of them. Then wet them down. NEVER use a paper or plastic bag, cardboard box or plastic garbage can.
* Keep the metal container outside and away from your home and away from combustibles.
* DO NOT place any other combustibles in the metal container for the ashes.
* Teach all family members the proper way to dispose of ashes.
More fireplace & fire pit safety tips
* Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a licensed chimney sweep to ensure all creosote and potential obstructions are clear.
* Repair and cracks in your chimney or fireplace.
* Do NOT use Pine in a fireplace or woodstove. Pine creates excess creosote.
* Do not use an accelerant to start a fire.
* Use fire place and fire pit screens to keep sparks and fire debris inside the fireplace or pit.
* Make sure you have a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm installed and in good working order.
* Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
* Keep all pets and children away from the fireplace, fire pit or grill.
* Make sure the area around the fireplace, fire pit or grill is clear of combustibles. ( 3 feet is a good rule)
* Observe all safety precautions when using outdoor fire pits as they are just as dangerous as indoor fireplaces.
To properly dispose of ashes or coals, we recommend the following:
* If possible, allow the ashes to cool where the fire was for several days. These items are designed to contain their heat safely.
* Transfer ashes to a metal container when it is necessary to dispose of them. Then wet them down. NEVER use a paper or plastic bag, cardboard box or plastic garbage can.
* Keep the metal container outside and away from your home and away from combustibles.
* DO NOT place any other combustibles in the metal container for the ashes.
* Teach all family members the proper way to dispose of ashes.
More fireplace & fire pit safety tips
* Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a licensed chimney sweep to ensure all creosote and potential obstructions are clear.
* Repair and cracks in your chimney or fireplace.
* Do NOT use Pine in a fireplace or woodstove. Pine creates excess creosote.
* Do not use an accelerant to start a fire.
* Use fire place and fire pit screens to keep sparks and fire debris inside the fireplace or pit.
* Make sure you have a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm installed and in good working order.
* Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
* Keep all pets and children away from the fireplace, fire pit or grill.
* Make sure the area around the fireplace, fire pit or grill is clear of combustibles. ( 3 feet is a good rule)
* Observe all safety precautions when using outdoor fire pits as they are just as dangerous as indoor fireplaces.
