Courtesy of
The Sacramento Bee Hot tips for fireplace safety:
1. Never leave a fire unattended. Extinguish the fire before you go to bed.
2. Always use a fireplace screen.
3. Never overload the fireplace with too many logs.
4. Don't use the fireplace as an incinerator and never burn garbage, Christmas trees or piles of paper.
5. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and place smoke detectors throughout the house. Test the smoke detectors and batteries regularly. See that the extinguisher is in good working order and that all family members know how to operate it.
6. When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace, preferably on a grate.
7. Clear the area around the fireplace and chimney. Debris too close to the fireplace could spread a fire.
8. Check the flue for obstructions such as birds' nests, and trim any overhanging branches or large trees near the chimney.
9. Keep wood stacked, covered and outside, away from the house and off the ground. Bring in only as much as you need for one evening to prevent insects that may be in the wood from entering your home. Manufactured fire logs can prevent this problem.
10. Have your fireplace inspected annually and cleaned when necessary by a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America, www.csia.org.
Source: Hearth Products Association (Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)
Resources The Sacramento Bee - newspaper
The Sacramento Bee
Phone: 916-321-1111
Toll Free Phone: 800-284-3233
Fax: 916-326-5578
URL:
www.sacbee.com
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association
Hearth, Patio And Barbecue Association
Website:
www.hpba.org 
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