Charlotte Fire Department

With the change of the season upon us and cooler weather forecasted, many of us will use fireplaces and wood stoves as either a primary or supplemental heating source in our home. Many fires involving chimneys and wood burning stoves can be attributed to the improper installation, maintenance or use of the heating source. Unfortunately, too many people are unaware of the fire risks involved when using these heating sources. Today, the Charlotte Fire Department continues to respond to residential fires caused by faulty chimneys or wood stoves. Over the past two years, there have been 56 fires in Charlotte involving chimneys or wood stoves resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and numerous people displaced from their homes. The Charlotte Fire Department encourages you to practice the following safety tips when using your fireplace or wood stove:

• Have your fireplace, wood stove and chimney cleaned and inspected annually for creosote build-up and cracks in mortar or chimney flues
• Keep the hearth area clear of decorations, debris and combustible materials
• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire
• Do not exceed the fuel capacity of your fireplace or wood stove
• Never burn cardboard, paper, trash, charcoal or debris in your fireplace or wood stove
• Never leave any burning fire unattended
• Place hot ashes in a separate metal container outside your home, away from decks, landscape materials and other combustibles, and soak them with water
  

If you have a fire in your house, Get Out And Stay Out! Call the fire department from a safe location and never go back inside.