Does Jack Frost nipping at your nose pose a fire hazard? Not likely. Not unless your nose is made of flint or unless Jack is nipping with a fire starter.
To be less far-fetched but staying with the holiday theme, what about chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Can it be hazardous? Perhaps. Although most folks may not actually roast chestnuts over an open fire, some do. How do you stay safe while roasting chestnuts?
Ask Northeastern Masonry & Chimney.
Roasting chestnuts became a holiday favorite not just because of the popular Nat King Cole song. People grew to love the sweet aromas wafting through the house, and they associated this with holiday family gatherings and good times.
Most people roast chestnuts in the oven. But if you go all-traditional and use your hearth or fireplace, avoid a fire hazard. Don’t leave the roasting chestnuts unattended. Don’t leave them over the flame for much more than 5 minutes each side. Reduce potential for any fire hazard by tending your fireplace carefully. (A glass door or metal screen is a valuable and practical accessory in this instance. In fact, a screen is an accessory that will add a layer of safety all the time by preventing flying embers from doing harm.)
We at Northeastern Masonry & Chimney know that best practices and preventive maintenance help reduce fire hazards in your home – during the holidays or any time.
What about burning all that torn and crumpled holiday wrapping paper? Although it may be a common practice, burning wrapping paper poses risks. Ink from some wrapping paper may give off toxic fumes. Additionally, paper burns quickly and often produces a high flame. This high flame might possibly reach into the chimney and cause built-up creosote to catch fire. Another hazard of burning paper is that embers might conceivably rise up from the chimney and escape, posing a fire hazard. Recycling used wrapping paper is your safest alternative.
A key to preventing these sorts of problems is your annual fireplace and chimney inspection. If you are concerned about creosote buildup or the formation of any combustible residues, get your chimney and venting systems inspected. Northeastern Masonry & Chimney technicians abide by standards and recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). We perform professional chimney inspections, chimney sweeping and chimney repairs, if needed. (And if embers really are escaping from your chimney, we can correct the problem safely and effectively.)
Reduce holiday fire hazards by following common-sense suggestions. Though it may seem obvious, do not toss your cut Christmas tree or holiday wreath into your fireplace. It’s impractical and too risky a move.
Based on serving thousands of satisfied customers over the course of decades, we understand the importance of fire safety, especially during the holidays. And we’re willing to answer any questions you might pose. Our trained professionals stand ready to be your one-stop source for anything related to your fireplace or chimney.
Call Northeastern Masonry & Chimney now at 518-767-9315 or schedule an appointment online.
Northeastern Masonry & Chimney serves the Capital District, the Hudson Valley, Northern and Central New York and Western Massachusetts including the cities of Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Poughkeepsie, and Pittsfield, MA.
Excuse us. Time to turn over those roasting chestnuts.