In 2022, fire departments across the U.S. responded to about 1.5 million fires that caused about $18 billion in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association.1
While fireplaces provide warmth and comfort during the fall and winter months, they also increase the fire-hazard risk in your home. Whether you have a wood-burning or gas-fueled fireplace, it’s important to enjoy it safely by taking safety precautions.
Insurers may also raise your premiums to account for a fireplace’s risk. By practicing fireplace safety, you may qualify for a discount on your homeowners insurance policy.
Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces produce smoke, cause chimney fires, and emit carbon monoxide. These hazards harm your health and damage your home, but practicing the following safety tips for wood-burning fireplaces can help reduce your risk:2
Use dry, well-seasoned wood for safe and efficient burning. Never add gasoline or other flammable liquids to ignite your fireplace.
Keep flammable materials like furniture, clothing, and newspapers at least 3 feet from the fireplace area.
Dispose of cool ashes in a metal container, storing them at least 10 feet away from your house.
Install a chimney cap to prevent blockage caused by debris or animals.
Ensure your wood pieces fit your fireplace or stove to prevent sparks or embers from escaping.
Gas-fueled fireplaces require less management than wood fireplaces, but they still increase your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, burns from hot glass, and fires from malfunctioning equipment.
If you own a gas-fueled fireplace, these tips can keep you, your loved ones, and your home safe from danger:3
Install a fireplace safety screen or safety barriers to prevent the risk of serious burns from glass doors.
Flammable objects and liquids should remain at least 3 feet away from your gas fireplace.
Keep young children and pets at a safe distance around an active fireplace.
Install a carbon monoxide and smoke detector.
Don’t leave your fireplace unattended when you leave home or go to sleep.
Routine fireplace maintenance lowers the risk of fires and ensures it works efficiently. Check your owner’s manual for information on caring for your wood or gas-fueled fireplace. The following are general maintenance tips for each fireplace type.
Schedule an annual professional chimney sweep and a fireplace inspection with a certified professional.
Sweep or vacuum ashes from the firebox after every use.
Before turning on your fireplace, inspect your firebricks, mental lining, glass screen, and burner for cracks or gaps.
Inspect the damper to ensure proper operation. Keep it closed when not in use.
Install a fireplace insert to make it safer and more efficient.
Schedule a professional fireplace inspection at least once a year and chimney cleaning (if applicable).
Test and replace the batteries of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
Replace the batteries in your fireplace remote when needed.
Clean and inspect key components such as your glass doors, gas logs or rocks, fireplace interior, and exterior before every use.
Fireplaces are a fire hazard, so your home insurance company will likely increase your premiums to offset the risk. Homeowners with a wood-burning fireplace may see higher insurance rates than homeowners with a gas-fueled and electric fireplace.
But you have ways to mitigate the additional cost of insuring your fireplace. For example, many insurers offer discounts for homes with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and other safety features.
Homeowners insurance typically covers damages from a malfunctioning fireplace if an unexpected event causes it. In contrast, if your fireplace malfunctions because of negligence or lack of maintenance, your insurance company likely won’t cover it.
Fireplace maintenance is an important step in keeping your home safe. Check out the information below if you still have questions.
Ensure your fireplace is safe to use by inspecting it before operating it. Examine key components — including your firebox, chimney flue, damper, hearth, and mantle — for damage, moisture, or strong odors. It’s also a good idea to schedule an annual inspection to catch unknown issues and schedule a chimney cleaning to remove creosote buildup.
Leaving your fireplace on at night and unattended is generally unsafe, as you risk severe damages and injuries caused by fires and toxic gasses. Before going to sleep or leaving your house, you should completely extinguish your fireplace, waiting for hot ashes to cool before properly disposing of them.
Fireplaces can emit toxins such as carbon monoxide, exposing children, older adults, and people with health conditions to dangerous gasses. Avoid relying on wood or gas-fueled fireplaces for your main heat source. Using an EPA-certified fireplace, ensuring proper ventilation, and performing regular maintenance and inspections can also decrease safety risks.4
A fireplace will likely increase your homeowners insurance cost, as it’s a fire hazard. You can lower your rates by taking advantage of discounts for fire-mitigation efforts, such as installing a smoke alarm or a carbon monoxide detector.
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