This Fire Prevention Week, Fernie Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind residents to use wood stoves and fireplaces safely.

As we prepare for cooler temperatures, here are some tips to keep in mind before striking the first match:

– Schedule an annual professional chimney inspection. Creosote—a highly flammable, tar-like byproduct of burning wood—can slowly build up inside your flue. Even a thin layer of creosote buildup can ignite within minutes and spread undetected into your attic or walls.

– Burn only seasoned hardwood that has been split and stacked for at least six months.

– Never use your fireplace to dispose of cardboard, wrapping paper, plastics, or household garbage.

– Ensure your chimneys have a secure cap and always use a metal mesh screen or closed glass doors to prevent embers from reaching your floors or carpets.

– In case of a chimney fire, evacuate immediately and call emergency services. Only if it is completely safe to do so, close the appliance doors and dampers to choke the fire’s air supply before exiting.

Learn more here.

City of Fernie

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