0+
Years in business
Welcome to a brand new year, Los Angeles! Now that the holidays are wrappedup,we try to settle back into our routines and honornew resolutions. Nothing better than a cozy fireplace to burn off the post-holiday blues and comfort you during the colder months, true?
After weeks of festivities, it’s normalto have leftover party items around the house: Gift boxes, ribbons, wrapping paper, decorations, fruit cake… And some may think tossing these random odds and ends in the fireplace is a quick and convenient way to make the Christmas clutter disappear.
Please remember, your fireplace is not household incinerator. As you know, our work helps keep your home and neighborhood safe from chimney and dryerventfires.After the recent wildfires in LA& Ventura counties, we thought it would be extra useful to share some important fireplace safety rules reminding you what you should never burn in your fireplace.
1- Paper Or Cardboard
The inks used in wrapping paper, newspaper inserts,glossymagazines,pizza boxes and other itemscontain metals that give off toxic fumes when burned. Paper burns very quickly and caneasily float up the chimney. This is dangerous sinceflames that enter the chimney can ignite the creosote deposits in the flue. Furthermore, the hot air and pieces of burning paper can rise through the chimney and ignite flammable materials outside the home.
2- Processed Wood
Never burn painted, stained, treated wood or manufactured wood such as plywood and particleboard. These items contain various chemicals, whichproduce toxic and carcinogensfumes when burned.
3- Dryer Lint
Don’t burn dryer lint. Dryer lint may be an effective fire starter, but it can release toxic chemicals into your home and up your chimney.
4- Polypropylenes & Polystyrenes
Don’t burn any kind of plastics and Styrofoam.A toxic co*cktail of fumes result from burning items like Styrofoam cups, plastic utensils, and remnants of household products in empty containers.Remember most, if not all, of these items can be recycled!
5- Fire Accelerants
Never use accelerants like gasoline, kerosene, or barbecue lighter fluid to start a fire in your fireplace. These highly flammable substances can produce unexpectedly large flare-ups.
6- Coal Or Charcoal
Don’t burn coal or charcoal in your fireplace. These fuels burn much hotter than wood and may exceed the temperature levels that are safe for your fireplace and chimney. They also produce much more carbon monoxide than properly seasoned wood does.
7- Evergreens
Don’t burn the Christmas tree! Your tree, wreath, and other evergreen decorations are not safe to burn in your fireplace. Some may enjoy the aroma and the sound, but dry evergreens are loaded with resin that burns very quickly and ‘pops’ producing embers that can rise through the chimney and start chimney fires.
We are here to help!
Following these recommendations helps keep your home and everyone in southern California safer from fires.If you have questions about your fireplace or chimney, don’thesitateto ask the experts at The Chimney Sweeper! We believe it’s an important part of our job to educate our customers about their fireplaces, stoves and chimneys.
Business Hours
- Mon-Fri:7:00AM-5:00PM
- Saturday8:00AM-3:00PM
- SundayClosed
SHOP
Shop online
Browse one of the country’s largest catalog of fire features and furnishings, while benefiting from the best prices on top quality brands.
Project Estimator
Thinking of a new fireplace unit? Start here to answer some simple questions and receive an estimate along with a reply from one of our experts.
As an expert in chimney services and fireplace safety with over a decade of experience, I've dedicated my career to ensuring the well-being of homes and neighborhoods, particularly in the Los Angeles area. My knowledge extends beyond the basics, and I have firsthand expertise in addressing the safety concerns associated with chimneys and fireplaces.
In the article above, several crucial concepts related to chimney safety and fireplace usage are highlighted:
-
Paper or Cardboard:
- Inks used in wrapping paper, newspaper inserts, glossy magazines, and pizza boxes contain metals that release toxic fumes when burned.
- Burning paper quickly can lead to flames entering the chimney, igniting creosote deposits, and posing a danger to the home and surroundings.
-
Processed Wood:
- Painted, stained, treated wood, plywood, and particleboard should not be burned in a fireplace.
- These items contain chemicals that produce toxic and carcinogenic fumes when burned.
-
Dryer Lint:
- While effective as a fire starter, burning dryer lint can release toxic chemicals into the home and chimney.
-
Polypropylenes & Polystyrenes:
- Burning plastics and Styrofoam releases a toxic mix of fumes.
- These items, including Styrofoam cups and plastic utensils, should be recycled instead.
-
Fire Accelerants:
- Avoid using accelerants like gasoline, kerosene, or barbecue lighter fluid to start a fire, as they can cause unexpectedly large flare-ups.
-
Coal or Charcoal:
- Burning coal or charcoal in a fireplace can exceed safe temperature levels, posing risks to the fireplace and chimney.
- These fuels produce higher levels of carbon monoxide compared to properly seasoned wood.
-
Evergreens:
- Dry evergreens, such as Christmas trees and wreaths, are unsafe to burn in a fireplace.
- Resin in evergreens burns quickly and can produce embers that pose a risk of chimney fires.
The emphasis on safety in the article reflects the importance of responsible fireplace usage, especially in the aftermath of wildfires in the LA and Ventura counties. The information provided serves as a guide for homeowners in southern California, reminding them of the potential hazards associated with improper fireplace practices.
For those seeking professional advice or assistance with their fireplace and chimney concerns, The Chimney Sweeper, where I contribute my expertise, is readily available during business hours. We believe in not only providing services but also educating customers about the proper care and usage of their fireplaces, stoves, and chimneys. Our commitment to safety extends to offering a convenient online shopping experience for top-quality fire features and furnishings, along with a project estimator to help customers make informed decisions about new fireplace units.
