Don’t light a fire you can’t put out

Inspect your stove

If you have a fireplace, you need to inspect it and get your chimney swept regularly. How often depends on how much you use it. Ask a chimney sweep or fire safety inspector. If you haven’t inspected your stove, it’s really important that you do so before building a fire in it.

Don’t over fire your stove

Don’t use too much wood and don’t use your stove for too long. It can overheat in the chimney, which increases the risk of a fire starting. Burn a maximum of three kilos of wood per hour, and let the stove cool for the same amount of time that you used it before lighting it again. If your stove has been lit for four hours, let it rest for four hours.

Also, remember that a stove is only there to heat the room that it’s in. Don’t use it to heat your entire home.

Always make sure you use dry wood. And if you use aids such as lighter fluid, firelighter gel or cubes, always follow the instructions. Never use petrol, ethanol, methanol, methylated spirit or fuel for an alcohol burner.

Bear in mind that ashes often contain embers. Embers can remain in the ashes for several days. Empty ashes and soot into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid, and be sure to leave it on a non-combustible surface.

Get your chimney swept

Get your chimney swept regularly to reduce the risk of a soot or chimney fire. You should get the chimney swept every three to six years, depending on how often you use the stove. Contact a chimney sweep or fire safety inspector if you’re not sure how often to do it.

Stoves without a chimney

There is such a thing as a stove that doesn’t need a chimney. The fuel is usually a flammable liquid. Such stoves should be inspected, correctly installed and used responsibly. Only use the fuel recommended for this kind of stove.