With rising utility costs, many homeowners are turning to fireplaces and woodstoves as an alternative or partial heating source. Woodstoves are safer and more efficient than ever, but can still pose a danger to your home and family if some precautions aren’t taken. These tips will help you enjoy the comfort of a wood fire while reducing the risks.

1. Have the chimney inspected and cleaned on a yearly basis. A good time to schedule an inspection is early fall, before the weather turns cold. Inspect the pipes and connections every month for soot or creosote build-up, and be sure the stove is properly vented.
2. Put a protective screen around the woodstove or fireplace to reduce the risk of injury to small children or pets. Editors note: Why not support your team at same time with a Collegiate Fireplace Screen!
3. Make sure the flue is open before you build a fire. Also, double-check that a fire is completely out before closing it again.
4. Never use lighter fluid, gasoline or kerosene when lighting a fire — kindling and paper are the safest fire starters.
5. For better efficiency, burn small, hot fires. Slow-burning fires cause creosote and soot to build up, increasing the risk of a chimney fire.
6. Store dry firewood away from the hearth to reduce the risk of flying sparks igniting it.
7. Clean your woodstove or fireplace every week, removing the ashes in a covered, metal container. Make sure there are no sparks, and discard the ashes well away from the house.
8. Yuletide safety:
   • Christmas stockings look lovely hanging from a mantel, but do take them down when the fire is lit.
   • Don’t burn wrapping paper in a woodstove or fireplace — some wrapping papers contain metallic materials, which are toxic when burned.
   • Never burn wreaths or garlands in a fireplace or woodstove — burning pine causes creosote build-up, which can lead to a chimney fire.